Fried chicken is topped with an Asian-style mild gravy composed of oyster and soy sauces with chicken broth. An abundance of cashews adds crunch and sweetness.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/8 cup chopped green onion for topping
- 2 cups cashew halves
PREPARATION:
Cut the chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch. In another dish or bowl beat the eggs. Dip chicken pieces into flour mixture, then eggs, then flour mixture again. Heat peanut oil in a large skillet and deep fry coated chicken in hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Meanwhile (while frying chicken), heat broth to boiling in a medium saucepan. Add oyster sauce, sugar, soy sauce and white pepper. Mix remaining 4 tablespoons cornstarch with a small amount of cold water in a cup. Stir cornstarch mixture slowly into broth mixture to thicken, then cook for another 5 minutes over medium low heat.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Heat cashew nuts and chopped green onions in preheated oven for about 5 minutes. Pour broth sauce/gravy over fried chicken and top with cashews and green onion. Serve with soy sauce to taste over a bed of fried rice, if desired.