Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy toasted walnuts, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables in one incredible meal? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Asian cuisine haven with this irresistible Chicken Dice with Fried Walnuts recipe! In less time than it takes to order takeout, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Dice the chicken breasts into uniform cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. This ensures even cooking. Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces, slice the bell pepper and onion, and set them aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts to the dry skillet and toast them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the walnuts from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Allow it to heat for a minute, then add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the chicken for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce for extra flavor.
- After the vegetables are cooked, return the toasted walnuts to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Chicken Dice with Fried Walnuts hot, garnished with additional chopped walnuts or sesame seeds if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired Chicken Dice with Fried Walnuts alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and professional presentation.
- Toast walnuts carefully - watch them closely to prevent burning, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Use a hot skillet or wok to achieve that perfect stir-fry texture and seal in flavors.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure it browns nicely instead of steaming.
- Marinate chicken briefly to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- For extra crunch, consider lightly coating walnuts in cornstarch before frying.
- Experiment with adding a touch of honey or chili sauce for a personalized flavor twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg