Craving a mouthwatering meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this game-changing Healthy Cashew Chicken with Brown Rice! Imagine tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy cashews dancing together in a perfect stir-fry, all served over fluffy brown rice. This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing while keeping your health goals on track. Whether you're a busy professional, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who loves amazing food, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, diced
- Brown rice
- Cashews
- Broccoli florets
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Soy sauce
- Ginger, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the brown rice according to package instructions. Typically, use a 2:1 water to rice ratio and cook for about 40-45 minutes until tender and fluffy.
- While the rice is cooking, dice the chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and chop the green onions.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
- Add cashews to the skillet and toss everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the nuts and integrate flavors.
- Serve the cashew chicken over the prepared brown rice. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions.
- Optional: Drizzle additional soy sauce or add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
- Use high heat and keep ingredients moving in the pan to achieve that perfect stir-fry texture.
- Add cashews at the very end to maintain their crunch and prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant taste—pre-minced versions can't compare!
- Don't overcook your vegetables; they should remain crisp and colorful.
- If you want to make this dish even healthier, consider using low-sodium soy sauce.
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking process.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
