Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This Orange and Chicken Cashew recipe is not just a meal, it's a sensational experience that combines the tangy brightness of fresh orange, the rich crunch of cashews, and succulent chicken in a harmony of Asian-inspired flavors. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a flavor enthusiast seeking a quick and delicious meal, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of diced chicken breast, 1/2 cup of cashews, 1 juiced and zested orange, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 sliced bell pepper, 2 chopped green onions, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken breast, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips and chop the green onions, setting them aside for later use.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet, discarding any excess marinade.
- Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper is tender but still crisp.
- Add the cashews to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cashews to warm and slightly toast.
- Finally, stir in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Orange and Chicken Cashew hot over a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- Marination Magic: Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption. For even more intense taste, you can marinate up to 30 minutes.
- Cashew Crunch: Toast your cashews slightly in a dry pan before adding them to the dish to enhance their nutty flavor and create an extra layer of texture.
- Heat Control: Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect sear on the chicken without burning the ingredients. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and grated zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor. Avoid bottled juice when possible.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to add or substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or quick-cooking noodles to soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal more filling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
