Microwave Cashew Chicken
A quick and flavorful microwave cashew chicken dish featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a satisfying and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a 3-quart casserole on High for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine chicken, garlic, soy sauce, sherry (if using), cornstarch, and ginger.
- Put ingredients in oil and cook on High for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring twice during cooking.
- Add green pepper (or broccoli) and cashew halves.
- Cover with plastic wrap and cook on High for 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Stir and let stand for 3 minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite brand of rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Substitute cashews with peanuts for a different texture or use a mix of vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added color and flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the mix. This dish can also be adapted into a stir-fry using the same sauce as in Chicken Soup Chinese Style.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this microwave cashew chicken over freshly steamed rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad. For a more substantial dinner, consider adding spring rolls or egg rolls as an appetizer. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Cashew Chicken contains roughly 1121 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% 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 breast for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken breast for even cooking. If using frozen, ensure it's fully thawed in the refrigerator beforehand. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if the chicken is still partially frozen.
What can I substitute for cooking sherry in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use cooking sherry, you can substitute it with white wine, rice vinegar, or simply omit it altogether. The soy sauce will still provide plenty of flavor, and the dish will turn out delicious without it.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can easily incorporate more vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Just be aware that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
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).