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!
- 01 May 2025
- Cook time 20 min
- Prep time 10 min
- 4 Servings
- 11 Ingredients
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:
Instructions:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan.
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the vegetables and stir well.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar starts to melt and caramelise.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Size | 310 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 630kcal | 32% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 30g | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 45g | 13% |
| Fiber 2.78g | 7% |
| Sugar 36g | 35% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 36g | 44% |
| Saturated 9g | 31% |
| Cholesterol 150mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 45ug | 5% |
| Choline 90mg | 16% |
| Vitamin B1 0.20mg | 17% |
| Vitamin B2 0.30mg | 23% |
| Vitamin B3 8mg | 48% |
| Vitamin B6 0.81mg | 48% |
| Vitamin B9 40ug | 10% |
| Vitamin B12 0.93ug | 39% |
| Vitamin C 36mg | 40% |
| Vitamin E 1.23mg | 8% |
| Vitamin K 16ug | 14% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 63mg | 5% |
| Copper, Cu 0.60mg | 67% |
| Iron, Fe 2.89mg | 26% |
| Magnesium, Mg 100mg | 23% |
| Phosphorus, P 380mg | 30% |
| Potassium, K 720mg | 21% |
| Selenium, Se 33ug | 57% |
| Sodium, Na 340mg | 23% |
| Zinc, Zn 3.25mg | 30% |
| 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. | |
More recipes
Sweet potato and chickpea dhal
Simmered in rich vegetable broth and infused with garlic and ginger, this vegan-friendly recipe is perfect for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
21 Apr 2025Bang bang shrimp pasta
Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick yet decadent dinner.
15 May 2025Beef wellington
Follow our step-by-step guide to create a show-stopping meal sure to impress your guests.
26 May 2025Lemon garlic shrimp with zucchini noodles
Ready in under 30 minutes, this low-carb dish is sure to impress.
25 Mar 2025Chicken and mushroom pies
Ready in under an hour, they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy.
08 Mar 2025Coconut chicken and lime curry
Ready in no time, it’s a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, ideal for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
18 May 2025