Sweet and Savory Apricot Cashew Chicken
Elevate your dinner experience with this delightful Sweet and Savory Apricot Cashew Chicken, a quick and easy meal that showcases a harmonious blend of flavors. Inspired by a classic recipe from Taste of Home's Simple and Delicious Magazine, this dish is designed for convenience and vibrant tastes. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up tender chicken strips coated in a luscious apricot glaze, complemented by crunchy cashews and fresh green peppers. Perfectly serve it over a bed of hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Ideal for busy weeknights, your family will love this flavorful dish that's ready in a flash!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apricot preserves
1/2 cup (none)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Chicken broth or sherry wine
1 tablespoon (none)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
Minced garlic
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into strips)
Green pepper
1 medium (chopped)
Salted cashews
1/2 cup (none)
Hot cooked rice
for serving (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, begin by combining the apricot preserves, soy sauce, chicken broth (or sherry), vegetable oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2
Add the boneless, skinless chicken breast strips to the bowl. Gently toss the chicken in the apricot mixture until every piece is well-coated.
3
Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture to a shallow microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap.
4
Microwave on high for approximately 3 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5
After 3 minutes, carefully remove the cover and add the chopped green pepper and salted cashews to the dish. Stir them into the chicken mixture.
6
Cover the dish again and return it to the microwave. Continue cooking on high for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken's juices run clear, stirring once.
7
Once cooked, let the dish stand, covered, for about 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Serve the Sweet and Savory Apricot Cashew Chicken over hot cooked rice, making sure to drizzle some of the apricot sauce on top for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
9.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory Apricot Cashew Chicken?
It is a quick and easy meal featuring tender chicken strips coated in a luscious apricot glaze, complemented by crunchy cashews and fresh green peppers.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include apricot preserves, soy sauce, chicken broth or sherry, vegetable oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, ground ginger, chicken breast, green pepper, and salted cashews.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire dish can be prepared and cooked in just 15 minutes.
What is the cooking method used for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for microwave cooking to ensure speed and convenience.
How should the chicken be prepared?
You should use 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast and cut it into strips.
How much apricot preserves are needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of apricot preserves for the sauce base.
What can be substituted for chicken broth?
You can use one tablespoon of sherry wine as an alternative to chicken broth.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
The dish contains 7.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 9.5g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 11.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of cashews should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of salted cashews to add crunch and flavor.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with the other liquid ingredients.
When do I add the green peppers?
Add the chopped green peppers after the chicken has microwaved for the first 3 minutes.
How long is the initial microwave cooking time?
The initial microwave cooking time on high is 3 minutes.
Should I stir the chicken during cooking?
Yes, stir the chicken halfway through the initial 3 minutes and again after adding the peppers and cashews.
What is the final cooking duration?
After adding the vegetables and nuts, microwave on high for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear.
Is there a resting period after cooking?
Yes, let the dish stand covered for about 3 minutes after the final microwave cycle to allow flavors to meld.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it over a bed of hot cooked rice, drizzling the extra apricot sauce on top.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What type of ginger is required?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Should the dish be covered while microwaving?
Yes, use a microwave-safe lid or wrap to cover the dish during cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, it is a quick-and-easy meal designed for convenience.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What size green pepper is needed?
The recipe requires one medium chopped green pepper.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
It was inspired by a classic recipe from Taste of Home's Simple and Delicious Magazine.
Can I use vegetable oil?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the marinade.
How much soy sauce is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Is this dish considered Asian-inspired?
Yes, due to the use of soy sauce, ginger, and cashews, it has an Asian-inspired flavor profile.