Prep Time ⇒	30 mins
Cook Time ⇒	10 mins
Protein ⇒	35g
Fat ⇒	22g
Carbs ⇒	10g

_{Hoisin Chicken with Cashews : A Flavorful, Quick Supper}

Hoisin Chicken with Cashews has always been my go-to dish, especially during those times when I needed a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking on a warm summer evening or just looking for a speedy yet delicious supper, this recipe is sure to deliver. A little tip: Before you start, pop the chicken breasts in the freezer for an hour. This will make them firmer and easier to slice into neat, even strips!

Ingredients :

For the Marinade:

• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp grated fresh root ginger
• 1 tsp runny honey
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Chicken:

• 3 boneless chicken breasts (skin removed), cut into long, thin strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus an extra dash
• 100g/3½oz cashew nuts
• Small bunch of spring onions, sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly steamed rice or a green salad, to serve

Method :

Step 1: To prepare the marinade, mix the hoisin sauce, ginger, honey, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir well to combine.

Step 2: Add the chicken strips to the bowl with the marinade. Season with salt and pepper, then toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or longer if you have time for more marinating.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Fry the chicken in two batches, cooking for a few minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Wipe the pan clean with a kitchen paper towel, if necessary. Add a little extra oil, then toss in the cashew nuts and spring onions. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken, along with its juices, to the pan. Toss everything together until heated through.

Step 6: Serve the hoisin chicken and cashews in a bowl, alongside steamed rice or a fresh green salad.

Recipe Facts : The Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Chef Olivia often highlights how some of the ingredients in this dish not only bring flavor but also offer a variety of health benefits. Here’s a closer look:

• Hoisin Sauce: While hoisin sauce adds a rich, sweet flavor to the dish, it’s also packed with antioxidants from its base ingredients like soybeans and garlic. This helps to fight free radicals and supports overall immune health. Learn more about hoisin sauce here.
• Cashews: These creamy nuts are more than just a tasty snack—they are rich in heart-healthy fats, essential minerals like magnesium and zinc, and contain plant-based protein. Cashews can help improve heart health and boost energy levels. Check out the health benefits of cashews.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger also supports digestion and can help ease nausea. In addition, it has been shown to improve blood circulation. Discover the health benefits of ginger here.

Recipe Tips :

• The marinated raw chicken freezes well, so feel free to prepare extra for future meals. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for the whole family, this Hoisin Chicken with Cashews recipe is sure to please with its quick prep, delicious flavor, and healthy ingredients. Enjoy!

_{The Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients in Hoisin Chicken with Cashews :}

Hoisin Chicken with Cashews is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy one, thanks to the combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables. Let’s explore the nutritional benefits of the primary ingredients in this dish, and why they make this recipe a fantastic choice for your meals. Whether you’re looking to boost your protein intake or add healthy fats to your diet, each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in supporting your overall health.

Chicken: A Lean Protein Powerhouse

Chicken, particularly skinless, boneless chicken breast, is the centerpiece of this recipe and a lean source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and it plays a key role in immune function, hormone regulation, and maintaining healthy muscles. A 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken breast contains approximately 26 grams of protein and only 2.7 grams of fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake without adding too many calories.

Additionally, chicken is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as niacin (vitamin B3), which supports skin health and energy metabolism, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body against oxidative stress. For more about chicken’s nutritional profile, click here to learn more about its health benefits.

Hoisin Sauce: A Flavorful Source of Antioxidants

Hoisin sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing its signature sweet and savory flavor. Although it is typically used in small amounts due to its rich taste, hoisin sauce offers more than just flavor. The sauce is often made from fermented soybeans, which are packed with antioxidants. Soybeans contain compounds called isoflavones, which have been linked to a range of health benefits, including a reduction in the risk of heart disease, improved bone health, and even protection against certain types of cancer. The fermentation process also makes hoisin sauce a source of beneficial probiotics, which can support gut health by improving digestion and boosting the immune system.

While hoisin sauce can be high in sugar and sodium, using it in moderation—especially when paired with other fresh ingredients, like vegetables—can offer a flavorful yet balanced way to enhance your meal. If you’d like to explore more about the health benefits of soy-based products, check out soy’s nutritional facts on Wikipedia.

Cashews: A Heart-Healthy Nut

Cashews add both a delightful crunch and an excellent source of healthy fats to the dish. These heart-healthy nuts are packed with monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to help reduce bad cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, cashews are a rich source of magnesium, an essential mineral that supports muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health. Magnesium has also been shown to help reduce blood pressure, contributing to overall heart health.

Moreover, cashews are an excellent source of copper, a mineral that helps the body absorb iron and form red blood cells. Copper also plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and connective tissues. Beyond that, cashews are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, which protect the body from oxidative damage and support healthy skin. For further details on cashews’ health benefits, you can check out cashew’s nutritional information on Wikipedia.

Vegetables: Nutrient-Rich Additions

Although not specified in the recipe, many variations of Hoisin Chicken with Cashews include vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or bok choy. These vegetables not only add color and flavor to the dish, but they also provide a host of nutritional benefits. Bell peppers, for example, are incredibly high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. Vitamin C is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which helps keep skin firm and youthful.

Onions, which are often used in stir-fries, are a great source of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They also provide prebiotic fiber, which nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and promotes digestive health.

Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is loaded with vitamins A and K. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, while vitamin K plays a key role in bone health and blood clotting. Bok choy also contains compounds that support liver detoxification, making it a great addition to any detox-friendly meal plan.

Ginger and Garlic: Natural Immune Boosters

Ginger and garlic are common ingredients in many Asian-inspired recipes, including Hoisin Chicken with Cashews. Both of these ingredients have been celebrated for their medicinal properties for centuries. Ginger, with its bioactive compound gingerol, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It can help soothe digestive discomfort, reduce nausea, and support the immune system. It has also been linked to lowering blood sugar levels and improving heart health.

Garlic, on the other hand, is known for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest that garlic can help reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and even support immune function. The allicin in garlic has been shown to fight infections and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Both ginger and garlic are not only flavorful but also contribute to overall wellness by helping to ward off illness and supporting cardiovascular health.

Rice or Noodles: A Carbohydrate Source for Energy

While the primary focus of Hoisin Chicken with Cashews is on protein and healthy fats, serving it with rice or noodles provides a necessary source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source, and consuming the right type of carbohydrates is crucial for sustained energy levels. Brown rice or whole grain noodles are excellent choices for this dish as they are rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. The fiber in these whole grains also provides a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating.

For those who prefer low-carb or gluten-free options, cauliflower rice or gluten-free noodles can be substituted, allowing the dish to fit various dietary preferences while maintaining its nutritional benefits.

The Health Benefits of Hoisin Chicken with Cashews

Hoisin Chicken with Cashews is a nutrient-packed dish that balances lean protein, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The combination of chicken, cashews, vegetables, and a rich hoisin sauce creates a well-rounded meal that supports muscle growth, heart health, digestion, and immune function. Additionally, the use of fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic enhances the dish’s anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall well-being.

By making this recipe at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and the amount of added sugar and salt, making it a much healthier option than many store-bought versions. So not only will you be enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal, but you’ll also be fueling your body with the nutrients it needs for optimal health.

If you’re looking for more hearty and healthy recipes that focus on nourishing your body while satisfying your taste buds, be sure to explore more recipes at hearty-recipes.com.