Chinese Cashew Chicken & Broccoli with Bok Choy

So I have been skimming many Paleo cookbooks and websites to come up with fresh new ideas for meals. Especially dinners, since those are the ones my husband really cares most about.

I kept seeing different versions of traditional Chinese Restaurant dishes, and decided to concoct my own version of one. Below is my recipe for Chinese Cashew Chicken & Brocccoli with Bok Choy.

(Note: Both my husband AND my toddler liked this meal – that is SUCCESS in my book!)

Chinese Cashew Chicken & Broccoli with Bok Choy:

1 cup raw Cashews

2 large chicken breasts (chopped into small pieces)

1/4-1/2 cup of green onions (depending on your preferences)

2-3 cups of chopped fresh broccoli

2-4 tbsp of fresh grated ginger (depending on your preferences)

2 tbsp red pepper flakes

2 tsp white pepper

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp fennel seed

2/3 c. coconut oil (melted) or Extra light olive oil

2 tbsp Extra light Olive Oil or Coconut oil

1 large head of Bok Choy (washed thoroughly and chopped)

2 tbsp extra light olive oil

2 tsp of minced garlic

salt & pepper to taste

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

1. Whisk coconut oil, fennel seed, cinnamon, hot pepper flakes, white pepper and ginger together in medium bowl.

2. Add chicken (and all of marinade/liquid) into the bowl and stir to coat chicken. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.

3. Chop broccoli, cashews and green onions (KEEP SEPARATE)

4. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in wok or large frying pan over high heat

5. Add chicken and stir frequently for 5-7 minutes until the outside of the chicken is white but it is not cooked all the way through yet.

6. Add broccoli and cook with chicken until it turns the bright green but isn’t tender yet (about 3-5 mins).

7. Add cashews and green onions and stirring occasionally cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.

Once Cashews and green onions are stirred in and cooking start your Bok Choy:

1. In separate frying pan (preferably one with a lid) heat 2 tbsp oil on Med/High heat.

2. Add garlic and stir until the garlic becomes aromatic (about 3 mins)

3. Add Bok Choy and toss with tongs until all is coated with olive & garlic.

4. Let cook for about 3-4 minutes without cover

5. Add Sesame seeds, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes as you desire

6. Place cover on (to allow it to steam a while) for about 5 minutes (until Bok Choy is tender)

Bok Choy and Main dish should be done at the same time.

Serve & Enjoy!

My 2-year old LOVED this dish. For the first time, she muttered in between bites, “Soooo Goood!” – that’s something!

Let me know what you think or if you think something else would have made this dish even better – I’d love to try it again with another twist!