A perfect blend of savory, nutty, and tender ingredients, this Fried Broccoli with Chicken & Cashews recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals. It’s easy to prepare, and with its combination of fresh chicken, crisp broccoli, and the rich, satisfying taste of cashews, this dish is ideal for any busy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re serving it over steamed rice or enjoying it on its own, the mix of flavors and textures will certainly delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious stir-fry:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup cashews (raw or roasted, your choice)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening the sauce)
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You can season the chicken with a pinch of salt or pepper during this step. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This will ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy for later.
Step 2: Stir-fry Garlic and Ginger
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant. The garlic and ginger will form the aromatic base of the dish, filling your kitchen with delicious smells!
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli becomes bright green and tender-crisp. Be sure not to overcook the broccoli, as you want to retain its crunchiness, which provides a lovely texture contrast to the soft chicken and cashews. You can also add a small splash of water to help the broccoli steam and cook faster.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cashews
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Toss in the cashews, stirring everything together. The cashews will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and broccoli.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. This combination of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors will make your sauce rich and tasty. Pour the sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and cashews in the pan. Stir everything together so the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
To finish the dish, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat all the ingredients. The cornstarch will give the sauce a smooth, velvety texture, making every bite more satisfying.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Fried Broccoli with Chicken & Cashews hot, either over a bed of steamed rice or on its own. The tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and crunchy cashews will create a deliciously balanced bite. Enjoy this dish for dinner, lunch, or as a delightful meal prep option!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.
Q2: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with other proteins like beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and oyster sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute, and choosing a gluten-free oyster sauce.
Q4: Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this recipe can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
Fried Broccoli with Chicken & Cashews is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own, this stir-fry is sure to become a household favorite. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, crunchy cashews, and savory sauce is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences—add more vegetables, switch up the protein, or make it gluten-free!
Take this recipe and make it your own, and you’ll have a go-to meal for those busy nights when you want something quick yet delicious. Enjoy!