Chicken With Cashews And Snow Peas
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender chicken, crunchy snow peas, cashews, and savory sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken breast, split, skinned, boned and cut in 1-inch cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp peanut oil ⓘ
- 20 snow peas, ends and strings removed
- 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup hot chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, dry sherry, cornstarch, hoisin sauce, and minced garlic for 15 minutes.
- Heat peanut oil in an uncovered wok at 375°F (190°C).
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3 minutes until cooked through.
- Add snow peas and water chestnuts; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Pour in hot chicken stock and add salt; stir-fry until the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Stir in cashews and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider adding sliced bell peppers or carrots during the stir-fry. If you don't have hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar can work as a substitute. Ensure your wok is properly heated to achieve that signature stir-fry sizzle. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can make the dish juicier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cold Noodles With Spicy Sauce for a refreshing contrast. You can also garnish with extra cashews or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Cashews And Snow Peas contains roughly 197 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 784mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh or thawed chicken for even cooking and better texture. If using frozen chicken, make sure it's completely thawed and drained before marinating to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat effectively.
What can I substitute for snow peas?
If snow peas are unavailable, snap peas or thinly sliced green beans can be excellent substitutes. Both options will provide a similar crunch and vibrant color to the dish, enhancing the overall presentation and texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and ensure that the soy sauce is vegetarian. The cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly for the protein of your choice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).