Craving a mouthwatering Chinese-inspired dish that won't derail your health goals? Look no further! This Guilt Free Cashew Chicken is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality taste with a nutritious twist that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and crunchy cashews, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything ready for the cooking process. This includes the chicken breast, cashews, bell pepper, broccoli florets, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well combined. This will serve as your sauce for the dish.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if desired, though the sesame oil will provide some lubrication.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced bell pepper and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the unsalted cashews, mixing well to incorporate them into the dish.
- Serve the Guilt Free Cashew Chicken warm, either on its own or over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy your healthy and delicious dish!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and taste.
- Use a high-quality non-stick skillet or wok to ensure even cooking and minimal oil usage.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to guarantee consistent cooking and texture.
- Don't overcook the vegetables - aim for a crisp-tender texture to maintain their nutritional value and vibrant color.
- For extra protein, you can substitute chicken with tofu or add edamame for a vegetarian version.
- To make the dish even lighter, use low-sodium soy sauce and consider replacing honey with a sugar-free alternative.
- Toast the cashews lightly before adding them to the dish to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
