1-First Step: Prep Ingredients
Cut chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Slice bell peppers and onion into bite-sized chunks. Mince garlic finely. Prepare optional vegetables, such as broccoli florets, diced red bell peppers, shelled edamame, and green onions, according to preference.

2-Second Step: Mix Sauce
In a small bowl, blend 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons soy sauce until smooth. Add 1.5 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (or preferred substitute), 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and a dash of white or black pepper. Stir the mixture well to create a well-balanced savory sauce.

3-Third Step: Marinate Chicken
Coat the chicken pieces with about 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb flavors and tenderize.

4-Fourth Step: (Optional) Prepare Crispy Chicken Batter
If opting for the crispy variation, mix ¾ cup flour, ¾ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¾ cup cold water to form a batter. Dip marinated chicken in batter and deep-fry in hot oil (350–375°F) until golden and crispy. Otherwise, proceed directly to stir-frying.

5-Fifth Step: Stir-Fry Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or heavy skillet on high heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion for about 1 minute until fragrant.

6-Sixth Step: Cook Chicken
Add the marinated chicken (battered or plain) to the pan and stir-fry for 2–5 minutes until nearly cooked through and lightly browned.

7-Seventh Step: Add Vegetables
Incorporate bell peppers and any chosen additional vegetables, stir-frying 1–4 minutes until crisp-tender while retaining vibrant color and some crunch.

8-Eighth Step: Finish with Sauce and Cashews
Pour in the remaining sauce and 6 tablespoons water to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients. Stir in ¾ cup roasted unsalted cashews and green onions if used.

9-Final Step: Serve
Remove from heat immediately to preserve freshness. Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite grain. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flair.