Cashew Chicken Recipe
Are you ready to take your weeknight dinners to the next level? This cashew chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that will impress your family and friends! Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving something delicious, this dish brings together tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a delightful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The best part? You can whip this up in just about 20 minutes! So, whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy date night at home, this cashew chicken is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces) | 1 pound |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Unsalted roasted cashews | 1 cup |
| Green onions (sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken stock | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Cornstarch (for thickening) | 1 teaspoon |
| Rice wine vinegar | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, additional cornstarch, and rice wine vinegar. Whisk everything together and set aside.
- In another bowl, add the chicken pieces and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350°F or in a large pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and cashews. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and cook until it bubbles and thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fried chicken back into the pan and toss well to ensure every piece is coated in the delicious sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Feel free to use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option.
- For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers.
- Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color!
- If you want to make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This cashew chicken is fantastic served over steamed rice or quinoa. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or stir-fried vegetables to create a balanced meal. For a complete experience, consider serving it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light soup.
Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for this delightful cashew chicken, you can impress your loved ones with a dish that is both tasty and easy to prepare. With its crunchy cashews, tender chicken, and savory sauce, this meal is sure to become a family favorite!
Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures with friends and family. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I make cashew chicken ahead of time?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s best to serve this dish fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients in advance to save time during cooking.
What can I substitute for cashews?
If you have nut allergies or just don’t like cashews, feel free to use peanuts or skip the nuts altogether. You can also add more vegetables in their place.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This cashew chicken can be easily divided into portions and stored for quick lunches throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!
Delicious Cashew Chicken Recipe for a Quick Dinner
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes400
kcalDiscover how to make delicious cashew chicken in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)1 pound chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/4 cup cornstarch1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons oil3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon ginger (minced)1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup unsalted roasted cashews1 cup unsalted roasted cashews
1/2 cup green onions (sliced)1/2 cup green onions (sliced)
1/4 cup chicken stock1/4 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons soy sauce2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons hoisin sauce2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, additional cornstarch, and rice wine vinegar. Whisk everything together and set aside.
- In another bowl, add the chicken pieces and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350°F or in a large pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and cashews. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and cook until it bubbles and thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fried chicken back into the pan and toss well to ensure every piece is coated in the delicious sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!










