Szechwan Chicken With Cashews
Szechwan Chicken with Cashews offers a flavorful combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and spicy chili, perfect for those who enjoy bold, savory Asian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, without skin and bone ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 1 tsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1 tsp soy sauce ⓘ
- black pepper, dash ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup cashew nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 8 green onions, chopped, reserve 3 Tbsp green tops ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut into 1/2 inch squares ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms, drained, reserve the liquid ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Hoisin sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried red chili pepper, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Mix egg white, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp salt, chopped ginger, soy sauce, and black pepper in a large glass bowl.
- Add chicken to the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet until hot.
- Stir-fry cashew nuts until light brown, about 1 minute.
- Drain cashews on paper towel and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt.
- Heat 2 Tbsp vegetable oil until hot.
- Add marinated chicken and stir-fry about 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and reserved mushroom liquid, then bring to a boil.
- Mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 1 Tbsp water, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the chicken mixture and cook until thickened, about 1 minute.
- Add cashew nuts and stir to combine.
- Garnish with reserved green onion tops.
- Serve over white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider using roasted cashews instead of raw. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of dried red chili pepper. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can be added for extra nutrition. Serve with a side of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Szechwan Chicken with Cashews over fluffy white rice, which complements the dish's rich flavors. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Stir-Fried Green Beans With Sichuan Sauce or a fresh salad. Garnish with additional chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. This dish is perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving for even heating and to maintain the texture of the chicken and cashews.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Szechwan Chicken With Cashews contains roughly 1564 calories, with 9g protein, 239g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (97% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1773mg per serving (77% 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?
Absolutely! You can substitute cashews with peanuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Each nut brings its own unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of dried red chili pepper or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. Additionally, using sweet bell peppers instead of spicy varieties can help balance the heat.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day ahead. Just ensure it is stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish when cooked.
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).