Chinese-Style Cashew Chicken Thigh With Rice

Before you start cooking, take your chicken out of the fridge, open the packet and let it air

Trim, then roughly chop your spring onion[s] and then top, tail and slice your carrot[s] in half lengthways then slice diagonally into half-moons

Deseed your pepper[s] (scrape the seeds and pith out with a teaspoon) and cut into small, bite-sized pieces, then peel and finely chop (or grate) your ginger and garlic

Add your diced chicken thighs to a bowl with your cornflour and and give everything a good mix up until the chicken is fully coated

Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick), with a generous drizzle of vegetable oil over a high heat

Once hot, add the coated chicken and your soy sauce to the pan and cook for 5-6 min on each side or until the chicken has started to brown and crisp

Meanwhile, add your white long grain rice to a pot with a lid with 225ml [300ml] [450ml] cold water and bring to the boil over a high heat

Once boiling, reduce the heat to very low and cook, covered, for 12-15 min or until all the water has absorbed and the rice is cooked

Once done, remove from the heat and set aside (lid on) to steam until serving

Once the chicken is lightly browned, add the sliced carrot, chopped pepper and half the chopped spring onion (save the rest for later!) and cook for 2-3 min until softened

Once the carrot and pepper have softened, add the chopped ginger, garlic and your cashew nuts and cook for 1-2 min or until fragrant

Add your Chinese rice wine to the pan and cook for 30 secs

Add your hoisin sauce and 150ml [200ml] [250ml] water to the pan, give everything a good mix up and cook for 2-3 min until thickened and the chicken is cooked through (no pink meat!)

Tip: Add another splash of water if it's looking a little thick!

Once the sauce has thickened, stir through your toasted sesame oil and remaining chopped spring onion – this is your Chinese-style cashew chicken thigh