Basil Cashew Chicken




Flavor is one thing it is definitely full of, but yet it’s still really simple. The chicken gets a quick marinade in some soy and oyster sauces, then stir-fried with ginger, garlic and a few chile peppers. Finish it all off with a whole bunch of Thai basil (or regular basil if you cannot find Thai basil) and a handful of cashews. And that’s it, dinner is DONE.

I served my chicken over a giant bowl of coconut rice. I highly recommend making either this coconut rice or this lemongrass rice. Both are kind of the best rice recipes ever.
Lastly, I added some fresh slices of mango for a tropical little kick. I know I’ve mentioned before that I’m currently obsessed with any and all tropical fruits. They’re kind of my way of escaping from the “winter is my spring” I’ve got going on here. If you too are looking for a delicious and colorful pick-me-up, mango slices are where it’s at!
So that’s it – simple, simple!!

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
  • 1/4 cup oyster sauce
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled + grated
  • 1 serrano chile or jalapeno, seeded + chopped
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 2 cups fresh Thai basil (or regular basil)
  • steamed [coconut rice |http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/hawaiian-hula-pork-fajitas-pineapple-slaw-coconut-rice/], for serving
  • 1 mango, peeled + sliced

Method
  1. Add the chicken to a bowl and toss with the oyster sauce and soy sauce. Let the chicken marinate 10 minutes. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium. 
  2. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add the garlic, ginger and serrano chile, cook 30 seconds or until fragrant. 
  3. Watch close, you don't want to burn the garlic. Increase the heat to medium high. Add another drizzle sesame oil and the chicken. 
  4. Stir-fry over medium high heat until cooked through, about 5 minutes. 
  5. Stir in the cashews and cook another minute. Remove from the heat and stir in Thai basil. 
  6.  Serve the chicken over steamed rice with fresh mango slices and extra basil. EAT!

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