Diced Chicken Breasts With Cashew Nuts
A savory Chinese-style dish featuring tender diced chicken breasts stir-fried with crunchy cashew nuts and bamboo shoots, flavored with soy sauce and wine for a delicious, nutty taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts, egg white, bamboo shoots, sugar, cornstarch, cooking oil, soy sauce, wine, salt, and ajinomoto.
- Blend the mixture thoroughly.
- Fry the cashew nuts in cooking oil until crisp and golden brown, then set aside.
- Saute mushrooms in cooking oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce to the mushrooms.
- Pour in the chicken mixture and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Sprinkle with sesame oil.
- Serve hot with fried cashew nuts on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and wine for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you're allergic to nuts, consider using sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. To thicken the sauce further, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water. For an extra crunch, toss in some water chestnuts along with the bamboo shoots. This recipe is a delicious variation of classic Chicken Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Diced Chicken Breasts With Cashew Nuts over steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light cucumber salad or spring rolls for a fresh touch. For an authentic experience, serve with a side of soy sauce or chili oil for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diced Chicken Breasts With Cashew Nuts contains roughly 360 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2187mg per serving (95% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, ensure they are fully thawed before marinating and cooking. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively and ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for bamboo shoots?
If bamboo shoots are not available, you can substitute with sliced bell peppers or snap peas for a similar crunch and color. Alternatively, sliced water chestnuts can provide a similar texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Use the same marinade and cooking method, adjusting the cooking time as necessary to ensure the tofu is heated through and absorbs the flavors well.
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).