The Perfect Cashew Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners get an exciting upgrade with this cashew chicken that promises pure comfort and flavor.

My kitchen often buzzes with the aroma of sizzling proteins and nutty undertones.

Crispy chicken pieces mingle beautifully with crunchy cashews, creating a delightful texture adventure.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that deliver maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

One skillet becomes your magic platform for turning basic components into something extraordinary.

Spices dance together, promising a meal that feels both familiar and surprisingly fresh.

You’ll want to gather everyone around the table and savor each delicious bite.

Why Cashew Chicken Recipe Is Always A Dinner Favorite

• Quickly Toast Nuts: Transform plain cashews into a golden, aromatic delight with just a simple 2-3 minute dry skillet technique that instantly boosts flavor and texture.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious chicken dish in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Combines everyday pantry staples with tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering stir-fry that's both comforting and exciting for all taste buds.
• Budget-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Delivers gourmet-style taste without breaking the bank, using affordable ingredients that pack a serious punch of deliciousness.

Everything Needed For Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Cashews: Toasted nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish, providing texture and richness.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary ingredient, best when fresh and boneless.

• Soy Sauce: Brings savory umami depth and helps season the chicken.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds complex, sweet, and salty notes to enhance overall flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty aroma and authentic Asian cuisine touch.
• Garlic, Ginger: Classic aromatics that create a robust flavor base, fresh is always best.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and brings out the other seasonings.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking and preventing sticking in the skillet.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright garnish.

Steps To Make Cashew Chicken Recipe At Home

Step 1: Toasting Nutty Goodness

Heat a dry skillet over medium flame. Gently add cashews and let them dance in the pan. Stir occasionally, watching them transform into a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible nutty aroma. Once toasted, transfer cashews to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing Chicken Marinade

• Chicken pieces
• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• White pepper

Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated. Let the flavors mingle and settle for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Sizzling Vegetable Base

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions
• Sliced bell peppers

Stir-fry until vegetables become vibrant and slightly softened, releasing their aromatic essence.

Step 4: Cooking Marinated Chicken

Slide the marinated chicken into the sizzling pan. Cook until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes perfectly tender. The chicken should have a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Bringing Everything Together

• Oyster sauce
• Chicken broth
• Sesame oil

Gently toss everything together, allowing the flavors to harmonize and create a mouthwatering dish.

Step 6: Final Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice, letting the rich, nutty flavors take center stage.

Helpful Hints For Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Roast Nuts Perfectly: Stir cashews constantly while toasting to prevent burning and ensure even golden color, releasing their rich, nutty aroma.
• Control Heat Wisely: Use medium-low heat when toasting to prevent scorching, allowing cashews to develop a deep, warm flavor without turning bitter.
• Enhance Texture Dynamically: Let toasted cashews cool completely before adding to the dish to maintain their satisfying crunch and prevent soggy nuts.
• Boost Flavor Potential: Consider lightly salting cashews during toasting to amplify their natural taste and add depth to the overall chicken recipe.
• Storage Smart Tip: Store toasted cashews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to preserve their fresh, crispy texture.

Smart Storage Tips For Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Refrigerate leftover cashew chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Separate the crispy cashews from the main dish to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• For best quality, consume within 2-3 days and avoid freezing, as the texture of the chicken and cashews may change significantly.

What Pairs Well With Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Enhance Nutty Crunch: Pair the cashew chicken with a crisp, light German Riesling that complements the toasted cashews' rich, earthy flavor and cuts through the dish's savory elements.
• Cool Down Spice: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the chicken's warmth and provide a bright, cooling contrast.
• Wine and Dine: Select a chilled Gewürztraminer with subtle floral notes that harmonizes beautifully with the cashew chicken's complex taste profile and aromatic spices.
• Texture Play: Add steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce and create a perfect textural foundation that highlights the crunchy cashew and tender chicken combination.

Fun Cashew Chicken Recipe Variations To Try

• Spicy Cashew Chicken Kick: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a fiery version that tingles your taste buds with extra heat.
• Coconut Cashew Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce for a creamy, tropical flavor that transforms the traditional recipe into an exotic dining experience.
• Vegetarian Cashew Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the nutty cashew essence while creating a plant-based alternative that's equally satisfying and protein-rich.
• Herb Garden Cashew Chicken: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, basil, or mint just before serving to introduce bright, fresh herbal notes that complement the rich, nutty profile of the dish.

Your Questions About Cashew Chicken Recipe Answered

• What makes cashew chicken different from other stir-fry dishes?

Cashew chicken stands out with its perfect balance of crunchy, toasted cashews and tender chicken, creating a unique texture and nutty flavor that sets it apart from traditional stir-fry recipes.

• Are cashew nuts really necessary for this recipe?

Yes! Toasting the cashews enhances their natural flavor and adds a delightful crunch that is crucial to the dish’s signature taste and texture. Skipping the cashews would significantly change the recipe’s character.

• Is this a traditional Chinese dish or an American creation?

While cashew chicken has roots in Chinese cuisine, the version most people know today was actually popularized in the United States, particularly in Missouri, where it was adapted to suit American tastes with a sweeter, more accessible sauce.

• Can I use other nuts if I don't have cashews?

While you could substitute other nuts, cashews are ideal because of their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the chicken’s savory profile. Other nuts won’t provide the same authentic taste and experience.

Cashew Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the delightful harmony of Chinese-inspired cashew chicken, where tender poultry meets crunchy nuts in a symphony of flavors. Succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and roasted cashews combine to create a restaurant-quality meal that brings exotic tastes directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (150 g) unsalted cashews (lightly toasted)

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium flame, carefully roasting cashews until they develop a golden-brown hue and release an aromatic nutty essence.
2. Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring consistent cooking and tender texture.
3. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, glossy marinade that will enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
4. Marinate chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, allowing them to absorb the complex blend of savory and sweet notes for approximately 15 minutes.
5. Preheat a large wok or skillet with a thin layer of vegetable oil, bringing it to a shimmering, high heat.
6. Introduce marinated chicken to the hot surface, searing each piece to lock in moisture and develop a delectable caramelized exterior.
7. Incorporate minced garlic and ginger, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
8. Add chopped green onions and bell peppers, tossing continuously to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.
9. Gently fold in the previously toasted cashews, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
10. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to reach perfect doneness.
11. Transfer to a serving platter, garnishing with additional green onion slices for a fresh, bright finish.

Notes

• Toast cashews carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning by constantly stirring and watching the pan.
• Remove cashews immediately when they turn golden to maintain their crisp texture and prevent bitter taste.
• Choose raw, unsalted cashews for better control of the dish’s overall saltiness and to allow seasoning flexibility during cooking.
• Quick toasting technique helps release natural oils in cashews, intensifying their rich, aromatic profile without adding extra fat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg