Hot Szechwan Chicken Salad

Combine chicken cubes with soy sauce, tomato juice, garlic (if desired), 5-spice powder, and black pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature or 30 minutes in refrigerator.

With a slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a large nonstick skillet or electric frying pan, arranging chicken in a single layer. Reserve marinade. Brown chicken evenly on all sides over moderate heat. Remove from skillet; set aside.

Combine bell and jalapeno peppers, onion, and broth in the skillet. Cook over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken cubes, and cook, stirring, until heated through. Combine cornstarch with reserved marinade and cold water; fork-blend until smooth. Stir into skillet mixture over low heat; simmer, stirring, until mixture thickens and clears.

Cut lettuce into bite-size pieces. Arrange on top of chicken mixture in skillet; simmer gently until just heated. Garnish with cashews, if desired. Makes 4 meal-size servings, under 200 calories each; cashews add 50 calories per serving.