Stir-Fried Chicken and Cashews

Winner winner stir-fried chicken dinner that the whole family will love!

This Chinese-style main dish has been a permanent fixture of my fussy family since I found it in Better Homes and Gardens magazine 25 years ago.   Hoisin sauce, sometimes sub-labeled Mu Shu sauce, is the secret ingredient that gives the chicken a flavor punch.  Kids as well as adults will absolutely LOVE this dish.  And its so easy you will want to make it often.  

Virtually all the alcohol burns off in the cooking, leaving just enormous flavor so I recommend leaving it in.  But 'sup to you.

There are two type of kids (and Hubsters):  those that have to drown a veggie in the sauce before they'll eat it, and those who freak out if veggies touch anything else on the plate.

Guess which type I have?

Stir-Fried Chicken and Cashews
Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, September 1980
Yield: 3-4 servings

2 Tbl. light olive oil (or canola oil), divided
1/2 cup cashews, raw or salt-free
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 Tbl. soy sauce
1 Tbl. dry sherry (optional)
1 Tbl. hoisin sauce
1 scallion, green part only, chopped
2 cups hot cooked rice
cooked broccoli, enough for your family
1 Tbl. toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat.  When hot, add cashews.  Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, or until cashews start to brown.  Remove cashews with a slotted spoon into a heat-safe bowl; set aside.

Add remaining oil to skillet.  Let oil heat, then add chicken in a single layer.  Allow to brown for 2 minutes, then stir-fry until all sides are browned but chicken is not cooked through. 

Combine soy sauce, sherry (if using) and hoisin sauce; add to skillet and continue to stir-fry another minute or two or until chicken is cooked completely through (no pink remains if chicken is cut).

Stir in browned cashews and chopped scallion.  Remove from heat.

Divide rice among 4 dinner plates.  Plate broccoli alongside rice.  Top rice with chicken mixture.  If desired, sprinkle each serving with sesame seeds, if desired, before serving.