Caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry

Discover the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this Caramelised Chicken and Chilli Stir-Fry recipe! Made with tender chicken thighs, crunchy cashews, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a delightful combination of brown sugar and soy sauce, this dish is elevated with the fresh zest of basil leaves and the heat of red hot chili peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that's both flavorful and satisfying!

  • 30 Jan 2025
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 11 Ingredients

Caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry

Caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry is a delectable blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for those who crave a bit of heat in their meals. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with crunchy cashews, aromatic red onions, and a rich caramelised sauce made with brown sugar and soy sauce. The addition of fresh ginger, garlic, and red hot chili peppers provides an extra kick, while fresh basil leaves add a fragrant finish. Whether you're a stir-fry enthusiast or a newcomer to Asian-inspired cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp peanut oil
16g
1/2 cup cashew
72g
6 chicken thighs
600g
2 red onions
320g
2 red hot chili peppers
80g
1 tbsp ginger root
16g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1/2 cup brown sugar
120g
1 tbsp vinegar
16g
1 tbsp soy sauce
16g
1/2 cup basil leaves
3.50g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onions and chili peppers.
- Finely grate the ginger root and mince the garlic cloves.
- Roughly chop the basil leaves.
2. Cook Cashews:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the cashews and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove the cashews from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook Chicken:
- In the same wok or frying pan, add the chicken pieces.
- Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook Vegetables:
- Add the sliced red onions and chili peppers to the same pan.
- Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
5. Add Aromatics:
- Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan.
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Caramelise:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the vegetables and stir well.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar starts to melt and caramelise.
7. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked chicken and cashews to the pan.
- Drizzle with vinegar and soy sauce.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let them simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is coated in the caramelised sauce.
8. Add Basil:
- Finally, add the roughly chopped basil leaves.
- Give everything one last good stir, allowing the basil to wilt slightly in the heat of the dish.
9. Serve:
- Serve the caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry hot, straight from the pan.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips:

- Ensure the chicken thighs are cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.

- Toast the cashews in the peanut oil separately until golden brown before adding other ingredients to enhance their flavor.

- Slice the red onions thinly to allow them to caramelise properly and meld with the sauce.

- Adjust the amount of red hot chili peppers based on your tolerance for heat; you can remove the seeds to reduce spiciness.

- Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for adding depth to the dish, so try to avoid using powdered substitutes.

- Keep a close watch on the brown sugar while caramelising to prevent it from burning, stirring constantly.

- Add the basil leaves at the end of cooking to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry brings together a symphony of flavors and textures that will excite your taste buds. With a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and aromatic herbs, this dish is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Serve it over a steaming bowl of rice or noodles for a complete meal. By following these tips and paying attention to detail, you'll achieve a restaurant-quality stir-fry right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size310 grams
Energy
Calories 630kcal32%
Protein
Protein 30g20%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 45g13%
Fiber 2.78g7%
Sugar 36g35%
Fat
Fat 36g44%
Saturated 9g31%
Cholesterol 150mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 45ug5%
Choline 90mg16%
Vitamin B1 0.20mg17%
Vitamin B2 0.30mg23%
Vitamin B3 8mg48%
Vitamin B6 0.81mg48%
Vitamin B9 40ug10%
Vitamin B12 0.93ug39%
Vitamin C 36mg40%
Vitamin E 1.23mg8%
Vitamin K 16ug14%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 63mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.60mg67%
Iron, Fe 2.89mg26%
Magnesium, Mg 100mg23%
Phosphorus, P 380mg30%
Potassium, K 720mg21%
Selenium, Se 33ug57%
Sodium, Na 340mg23%
Zinc, Zn 3.25mg30%
Water
Water 200g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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