Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Crispy Spicy Cashew Chicken isn't just another recipe – it's a perfect harmony of crunchy, spicy, and savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Imagine tender chicken pieces with a golden-brown crispy exterior, perfectly toasted cashews, and a bold sauce that packs just the right amount of heat – all prepared in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, chili paste, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create a marinade. Add chicken cubes and let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is nearly smoking.
- Drain chicken from marinade and carefully add to hot oil. Cook chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crispy exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Add diced bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened but retain a crisp texture.
- Toss in cashews and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing them to become lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra chili paste for more heat or honey for sweetness.
- Transfer crispy cashew chicken to a serving platter, garnish with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Tips
- Chicken Prep is Key: Pat your chicken pieces completely dry before cooking. This crucial step ensures maximum crispiness and prevents steaming instead of frying.
- High Heat, Quick Cooking: Use a wok or heavy-bottomed skillet and cook at medium-high heat. This technique creates that irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in a single layer to guarantee even browning. If needed, cook in batches to maintain the perfect crisp.
- Marinade Magic: Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to infuse deep flavor, but not too long to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
- Cashew Timing: Add cashews towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and maintain their perfect toasted flavor and crunch.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the chili paste to your spice preference – more for heat lovers, less for those who prefer a milder dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
