Zesty Cashew Chicken Recipe: A Swift Dinner Sensation

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy cashew chicken recipe delivers a knockout punch of flavor and texture.

The golden, crunchy exterior gives way to tender, succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth.

Cashews add a delightful nutty crunch that elevates every single bite beyond ordinary chicken dishes.

Packed with bold Asian-inspired seasonings, this recipe turns a simple protein into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily make at home.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of crispy, savory, and satisfying elements that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The combination of juicy chicken and toasted cashews creates a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and exciting.

Prepare to fall in love with a chicken dish that breaks free from the mundane and celebrates bold, vibrant flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a robust protein foundation for the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami richness and helps tenderize the chicken while creating a savory base.

• Cashews: Brings a delightful crunch and rich, buttery flavor that elevates the entire dish with a wonderful golden roasted essence.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the dish with a pungent, warm depth and authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy undertone that complements the chicken and creates a vibrant flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion note and bright green color that adds visual and taste complexity.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps in even cooking and prevents sticking while allowing ingredients to sauté perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the natural flavors of the other ingredients.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a silky, rich liquid base that helps bind the sauce and intensify overall flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives it a glossy, smooth texture that clings beautifully to the chicken and nuts.

Kitchen Tools For Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Large skillet: Essential for toasting cashews and cooking the chicken evenly.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps maintain accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining marinade or prepping ingredients.

Easy Instructions For Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Roast Cashew Nuts

Toss cashews into a dry skillet and warm them over medium heat. Watch them carefully as they turn golden and release a nutty aroma. Once perfectly toasted, set them aside on a plate.

• Prep Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks that will cook quickly and evenly. Season the pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

• Sizzle Chicken

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet until it shimmers with heat. Carefully add chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

• Create Savory Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This blend will give your dish a rich, tangy kick that makes mouths water.

• Combine and Finish

Pour the sauce over the sizzling chicken, stirring to coat every piece. Toss in the toasted cashews and let everything meld together for another minute. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and nutty depth to the meal.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slide the chicken onto a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Your delicious cashew chicken is ready to devour!

Smart Tweaks For Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Toasting Technique Mastery: Gently swirl cashews in the dry skillet to ensure even golden color and prevent burning, releasing their rich, nutty aroma.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance to deepen flavor and save time during weeknight cooking.
• Protein Power Swap: Easily substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use shrimp for a seafood twist without changing the core sauce recipe.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish completely gluten-free while maintaining authentic Chinese-inspired flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding more or less sriracha, or include sliced fresh chili peppers for those who love extra kick without overwhelming the delicate cashew and chicken balance.

Serving Cashew Chicken Recipe The Simple Way

• Nutty Garnish Paradise: Sprinkle toasted cashews over the finished dish for a delightful crunch and extra flavor burst that elevates the entire meal.
• Cozy Companion Plate: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying dinner experience.
• Fresh Brightness Boost: Top with chopped green onions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add color, freshness, and an appealing visual texture to the chicken.
• Quick Weeknight Sidekick: Pair with a simple cucumber salad or quick stir-fried vegetables to round out the meal and add nutritious balance to your protein-packed main course.

Plan Ahead With Cashew Chicken Recipe Storage

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the chicken mixture and store the extra portion in airtight containers for quick meals during busy weekdays. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2-3 weeks.
• Nut Storage Tip: Keep toasted cashews in a sealed glass jar at room temperature for maximum crispness. They'll stay fresh and crunchy for about 1-2 weeks away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Sauce Separation Prevention: Mix sauce ingredients separately and store in a different container from chicken to maintain optimal texture. When ready to serve, combine just before heating to keep ingredients vibrant and prevent sogginess.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Cook chicken and chop vegetables in advance during your weekly kitchen prep session. Store components in separate containers in the refrigerator, allowing you to assemble the dish quickly when hunger strikes.

Crispy Cashew Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Savory cashew chicken combines tender poultry with crunchy nuts in a classic Chinese-American dish. Flavorful ingredients and simple cooking techniques create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll enjoy making at home.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (150 g) unsalted cashews, lightly toasted
• 2 tbsps vegetable or sesame oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsps hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (to thicken)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Nuts: Toast cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden-brown, releasing a rich, nutty fragrance.
2. Chicken Preparation: Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and optimal tenderness.
3. Marinade Creation: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch to form a glossy, flavor-packed coating for the chicken.
4. Marinating Process: Immerse chicken pieces in the prepared sauce, allowing them to absorb the complex flavor profile for 15 minutes.
5. Searing Technique: Heat a wok or skillet with vegetable oil until shimmering, then add marinated chicken to create a caramelized exterior while sealing in moisture.
6. Aromatic Enhancement: Quickly stir in minced garlic and ginger, creating a fragrant base that elevates the dish’s depth of flavor.
7. Vegetable Integration: Toss in chopped green onions and bell peppers, maintaining their vibrant color and crisp texture through continuous movement.
8. Final Touches: Incorporate toasted cashews, ensuring even distribution, and simmer briefly to harmonize flavors and complete chicken cooking.
9. Serving Presentation: Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional green onion slices for a fresh, bright finishing accent.

Notes

• Cashew Toasting Technique: Roast cashews slowly over medium heat, constantly stirring to prevent burning and achieve an even golden-brown color that enhances their nutty flavor.
• Chicken Preparation Precision: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture, which helps maintain tenderness throughout the dish.
• Marinade Mastery: Let chicken marinate for exactly 15 minutes – not longer – to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat’s protein structure and maintaining optimal texture.
• Heat Management Magic: Use high heat when searing chicken to create a perfect caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy, watching carefully to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg