Irresistible Cashew Chicken Recipe That Wows Every Time

Who doesn’t crave a delectable cashew chicken that blends savory flavors with crunchy textures?

This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines tender chicken pieces with rich, roasted cashew chicken in a silky sauce that dances on your palate.

Aromatic garlic and ginger create depth while crisp vegetables add vibrant color and freshness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of protein and nutty crunch that satisfies hunger and delights the senses.

The simple yet elegant preparation makes this recipe an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Cooking this dish at home brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to your table with minimal effort.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can create this restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You Need for Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Cashews: Add delightful crunch and nutty richness, providing textural contrast to the tender chicken.

• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and authentic Asian flavor profile.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings sweet and tangy complexity to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, balanced acidity to enhance overall taste.
• Honey: Creates glossy, slightly sweet sauce coating.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces distinctive toasted nutty aroma.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic base note.
• Ginger: Contributes zingy, warming undertone.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers subtle heat and gentle spiciness.

• Bell Peppers: Introduce vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Green Onions: Offer fresh, mild onion flavor for garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle delicate nutty crunch on top.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and create silky texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for high-heat cooking and preventing sticking.
• Salt And Black Pepper: Enhance and balance overall seasoning.

Tools That Help Prep Cashew Chicken Like a Pro

• Skillet or wok: Large, sturdy pan for high-heat cooking and stir-frying.
• Small mixing bowls: For preparing chicken coating and sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients during cooking.

How to Cook Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken at Home

• Coat and Prep Chicken

Toss chicken pieces with a light dusting of cornstarch and a sprinkle of seasoning to create a crispy exterior that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up your skillet with a splash of oil and cook the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, creating irresistible caramelized edges that lock in flavor.

• Whip Up the Magic Sauce

Blend together a symphony of saucy ingredients – think soy, honey, and zingy spices – creating a mouthwatering coating that’ll transform your chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

• Toss in the Colorful Companions

Slide crisp bell peppers into the hot pan, letting them soften and release their sweet, vibrant essence into the cooking process.

• Bring It All Together

Reunite the chicken with the sizzling vegetables, pour over your flavor-packed sauce, and sprinkle in crunchy cashews for that perfect textural contrast.

• Serve and Devour

Shower your creation with a confetti of green onions and sesame seeds, then nestle it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, ready to transport your taste buds on a culinary adventure.

Flavor Adjustments for Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken

• Double-coat your chicken pieces in cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after being tossed in sauce, ensuring each bite delivers perfect texture.
• Easily transform this recipe by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to match your dietary preferences or protein cravings without changing the fundamental flavor profile.
• Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a delicious low-carbohydrate version that keeps all the original recipe's exciting taste and excitement.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a fiery kick that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Prepare chicken and sauce separately, storing in refrigerated containers for up to 3 days, which allows quick assembly and ensures you always have a delicious meal ready in minutes.

How to Serve Cashew Chicken That Tastes Restaurant-Worthy

• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle extra toasted cashews on top for a delightful crunch that elevates each bite with nutty goodness.
• Rice Companions: Serve over fragrant jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up the rich, savory sauce and create a complete meal.
• Spice It Up: Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for heat lovers who want an extra kick of spiciness that complements the dish's sweet and tangy profile.
• Fresh Finale: Top with crisp chopped cilantro or fresh green onions for a burst of brightness that cuts through the rich sauce and adds a vibrant touch.

Saving and Reheating Your Cashew Chicken Leftovers

• Prepare a double batch of cashew chicken and portion into meal-prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Separate sauce and chicken to maintain crispiness until ready to eat.
• Store cooled chicken in airtight containers, keeping cashews separate to prevent soggy texture. Freeze up to 3 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently in skillet.
• Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet with a splash of oil to restore crispy chicken texture. Avoid microwave to maintain original meal quality and prevent rubbery chicken.
• Keep roasted unsalted cashews on hand as a quick replacement. Swap bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or broccoli to keep the dish exciting and flexible for different meal plans.

Mouthwatering Cashew Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Craving restaurant-quality flavor, this better-than-takeout cashew chicken brings Chinese-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen. Crispy chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce create an irresistible meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup cashews, roasted
• ½ cup bell pepper, red, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, green, diced
• ¼ cup soy sauce, low-sodium (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (slurry)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp ginger, fresh, grated
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• steamed rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Coat Chicken: Thoroughly toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until uniformly covered, ensuring each morsel is well-seasoned and ready for cooking.
2. Sear Protein: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface. Swiftly cook chicken in batches, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal doneness. Transfer cooked pieces to a separate plate.
3. Craft Sauce: Blend soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients harmonize into a rich, aromatic liquid.
4. Vegetable Preparation: Utilize the same pan to flash-sauté bell peppers, releasing their vibrant colors and natural sweetness while maintaining a crisp texture.
5. Final Assembly: Reintroduce seared chicken to the pan, drizzle with prepared sauce, and fold in crunchy cashews. Incorporate cornstarch slurry and simmer briefly to create a luxurious, glossy coating that clings to each ingredient.
6. Presentation: Elegantly garnish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve atop steamed rice or delicate noodles, transforming a simple meal into a restaurant-quality experience.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are evenly and lightly coated with cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior without clumping.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect browning without burning the chicken or creating tough texture.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry amount to achieve desired sauce thickness – start with less and gradually add more if needed.
• Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium or gluten-free alternatives, and use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for honey to accommodate different dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg