Stir-Fried Chicken And Cashews
A savory stir-fry combining tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and flavorful hoisin sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying lunch bowls.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and sherry; set aside.
- In a 12-inch skillet or wok, stir-fry cashews in hot oil over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until browned.
- Lift out the cashews with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the chicken mixture to the skillet.
- Stir-fry over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until just cooked through.
- Stir in hoisin sauce and the cashews.
- If desired, sprinkle with sliced green onion.
- Serve immediately with hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute with white wine or rice vinegar. To add extra crunch, consider including bell peppers or snap peas. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the cashews to achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Stir-Fried Chicken and Cashews over hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad. For a complete Asian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside a bowl of miso soup or some spring rolls.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to retain the texture of the chicken and cashews. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fried Chicken And Cashews contains roughly 454 calories, with 16g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 697mg per serving (30% 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 other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you can use almonds or peanuts as a substitute for cashews if you prefer. Each nut will give a different flavor and texture to the dish, but they will all work well in a stir-fry. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for different nuts.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies when stir-frying the chicken. You can also drizzle some chili oil over the dish just before serving for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste preference.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can use skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option or replace cooking oil with a non-stick spray to reduce fat content. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can enhance the nutritional value while keeping it colorful and flavorful.
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).