Cashew Chicken Recipe

This Cashew Chicken recipe is a deliciously savory stir-fry that combines tender chicken, crispy cashews, and colorful vegetables in a flavorful, slightly sweet and savory sauce. It’s a popular Chinese-American dish that’s easy to prepare at home, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a balance of protein, nuts, and veggies, it’s a meal that will satisfy your cravings for something hearty and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cashew Chicken is the perfect blend of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s just irresistible. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients or techniques. The dish can be served with rice, noodles, or even on its own for a lighter meal. Plus, the cashews add an amazing texture contrast that elevates the dish to something special. It’s quick, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

this Recipe

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow)
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Set the sauce aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and broccoli (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant in color. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the sauce mixture. Stir everything together to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add cashews: Stir in the cashews, mixing them well into the chicken and vegetables. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the cashews and chicken evenly.
6. Serve: Serve your cashew chicken hot with steamed rice, noodles, or on its own. Garnish with extra cashews or green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or baby corn to the stir-fry for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or chopped fresh chilies to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Different Nuts: You can substitute the cashews with peanuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce if you’re avoiding gluten. Be sure to check that your oyster sauce is also gluten-free or use a gluten-free alternative.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze dishes with nuts, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture (without the cashews) for up to 2-3 months. Just add fresh cashews when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They’re slightly more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to add the cashews and sauce just before serving.

3. Can I use raw cashews or should they be roasted?

Both raw and roasted cashews work well in this recipe. If you’re using raw cashews, you can lightly toast them in a pan before adding them to the dish to enhance their flavor and crunch.

4. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! To make it spicy, simply add chili flakes, chili paste, or fresh chilies to the sauce or while stir-frying the vegetables.

5. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce), and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or skip it and use extra soy sauce instead.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. The more vegetables, the more nutritious and colorful your dish will be!

7. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can use peanuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts in place of cashews. Each nut will bring its own flavor and texture to the dish.

8. What should I serve this with?

Cashew Chicken is best served with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

9. How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?

If you’re concerned about the sauce being too salty, you can use a low-sodium soy sauce or oyster sauce. You can also balance the flavors with a little extra sugar or rice vinegar.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to serve more people. Just make sure your skillet or wok is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

Conclusion

Cashew Chicken is an easy and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something a little special. With tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce, it’s a well-balanced, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its satisfying textures and bold flavors. Try it tonight!

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