Classic Cashew Nut Chicken Stir-Fry with Ground Chicken

A beloved Chinese-American stir-fry featuring savory ground chicken, crunchy roasted cashews, and crisp vegetables all coated in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect over steamed rice.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 40 min
Servings: 4
ChineseDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeHigh-Protein

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Ground chicken
  • 3 tbsp Soy sauce (divided)
  • 2 tsp Cornstarch (divided)
  • 1 tbsp Rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1/4 cup Chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp Brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (divided)
  • 1 cup Unsalted cashews (roasted or raw)
  • 1 piece Red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 piece Yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
  • 3 pieces Green onions (sliced, white and green parts separated)

Instructions

  1. 1.

    In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and the rice wine. Mix gently until just combined. Let sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

    Time: 10 min
  2. 2.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

    Time: 2 min
  3. 3.

    If your cashews are raw, heat 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the cashews and toast, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.

    Time: 5 min
  4. 4.

    Increase heat to high. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet or wok. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    Time: 7 min
  5. 5.

    Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the diced red bell pepper, yellow onion, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

    Time: 4 min
  6. 6.

    Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: 1 min
  7. 7.

    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Give the prepared sauce a quick re-whisk and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

    Time: 2 min
  8. 8.

    Stir in the toasted cashews and the green parts of the green onions. Serve immediately over steamed white rice.

    Time: 1 min

Tips

  • 💡Ground chicken can sometimes release a lot of liquid. If your skillet gets too watery, you can drain some of the liquid before adding the vegetables to ensure a good stir-fry texture.
  • 💡For extra crunch, lightly toast your cashews in a dry pan or with a little oil before adding them to the dish. This really enhances their flavor and texture.
  • 💡Serve with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by smw355