Crispy Cashew Chicken: A Homemade Delight Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy cashew chicken recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Golden-brown chicken pieces dance with crunchy cashews in a delectable sauce that sparks instant hunger.

The delightful combination creates a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make taste buds sing.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy layer blend seamlessly with the nutty cashew crunch.

The savory sauce adds depth and complexity to every single morsel.

Dinner is about to become an exciting adventure your family will request again and again.

Steps To Cook Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Coat The Chicken

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

• Sizzle And Brown

Fire up a skillet with vegetable oil and cook the chicken in batches, transforming each piece into a golden-brown delight that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.

• Whip Up The Flavor Bomb

Blend soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into a sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell like a gourmet restaurant.

• Veggie Magic

Quickly sauté bell peppers in the same pan, bringing a burst of color and crunch to your dish.

• Bring It All Together

Reunite the chicken with the peppers, pour in the tantalizing sauce, toss in some crunchy cashews, and let everything simmer until the sauce thickens into a glossy, mouthwatering coating.

• Serve And Celebrate

Shower the dish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve over fluffy rice or noodles. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make takeout seem boring!

Different Ways To Try Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Perfect Chicken Coating: Ensure chicken is completely dry before coating with cornstarch for maximum crispiness and golden-brown exterior.
• Cashew Crunch Control: Toast cashews separately in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and added texture before adding to the final dish.
• Spice Level Flexibility: Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat preference – reduce for mild or increase for extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Protein Power Swap: Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create delightful variations while maintaining the recipe's core flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Hero Hack: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers incredible taste and satisfaction.

What To Eat With Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this cashew chicken over fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete meal.
• Weeknight Meal Prep: Pack leftovers in meal-prep containers with separate compartments for chicken, rice, and extra cashews to maintain crispiness for lunch the next day.
• Flavor Boost Toppings: Sprinkle extra chopped cashews, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce for added crunch and personalized heat levels that make each bite exciting.
• Quick Side Companions: Pair with quick cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to add freshness and balance the rich, savory chicken dish for a well-rounded dinner experience.

Storing Leftover Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Dice chicken and slice vegetables in advance, storing separately in sealed containers inside the refrigerator. Keep ingredients fresh for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights.
• Quick Refrigeration Technique: Cool the cooked cashew chicken completely before storing in airtight containers. Separate sauce from chicken to maintain crispy texture, preventing soggy results when reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze prepared chicken and sauce in individual portions for convenient future meals. Label containers with date and contents, ensuring optimal quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken in skillet over medium heat, adding splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Simple Ingredients For Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Lean cut that provides a tender, succulent base for the dish, selecting fresh and trimmed pieces ensures the best texture and flavor.
• Cashews: Crunchy nuts that add a rich, buttery dimension and delightful textural contrast to the chicken.

• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich condiment that deepens the savory profile of the dish, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy Chinese sauce that creates a glossy, complex flavor base.
• Rice Vinegar: Bright, slightly acidic liquid that balances and lightens the overall sauce.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that adds depth and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, fragrant oil that introduces an authentic Asian cooking essence.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a punch of sharp, earthy flavor.
• Ginger: Zesty root that adds warmth and a subtle spicy undertone.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and vibrant color to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that brings a mild onion crispness and visual appeal.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds that add a delicate nuttiness and textural interest.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying.
• Bell Peppers: Crisp vegetables that provide sweetness and colorful crunch.
• Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that creates a silky, glossy sauce.

Helpful Gear For Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken Recipe

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying chicken and vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing chicken coating and sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing bell peppers and green onions.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.

Crispy Cashew Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade better-than-takeout cashew chicken brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to home kitchens. Crispy chicken pieces tossed with crunchy cashews and savory sauce create a delightful meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup (100 g) roasted cashews
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsps hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• ½ cup (75 g) red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup (75 g) green bell pepper, diced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (slurry)
• Steamed rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a cornstarch mixture, seasoning evenly to create a crisp golden exterior when cooking.
2. Searing Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully sear chicken in batches until each piece achieves a rich golden-brown color and is fully cooked, then set aside.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to develop a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
4. Vegetable Infusion: In the same pan, quickly sauté bell peppers until they become slightly charred and tender, releasing their natural sweetness and adding vibrant color to the dish.
5. Final Assembly: Return chicken to the pan, pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients, fold in cashews, and introduce a cornstarch slurry to create a luxurious, glossy coating that clings to every morsel.
6. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a delicate sprinkle of sesame seeds, then serve over steamed rice or noodles for a gourmet meal that elevates home cooking.

Notes

• Achieve Crispy Coating: Ensure chicken is completely dry before coating with cornstarch to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Manage Heat Precisely: Maintain medium-high heat while searing chicken to create golden-brown exterior without burning, using a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to control sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too gloopy or remaining too thin for optimal coating.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version, use coconut aminos for lower sodium option, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg