Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout)
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Are you tired of spending money on takeout? You can make tasty cashew chicken at home in just 30 minutes. This easy recipe gives you juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and a yummy sauce that’s better than restaurant versions.
You only need a few simple steps to create this dish. Cut up the chicken, make a quick sauce, and cook everything in one pan. It’s that easy! You’ll love how the crispy chicken pieces mix with the nutty cashews and savory sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal your whole family will enjoy.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy cashew chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsalted roasted cashews
For serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
This recipe makes 4 servings. You can easily double it if you’re cooking for a bigger group. Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and quicker.
Don’t forget to season your chicken with salt and pepper before coating it in cornstarch. This adds extra flavor to your dish. The sauce ingredients might seem like a lot, but they come together to create a tasty, balanced flavor.
Instructions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Toss in cornstarch until coated.
Mix hoisin sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until light brown. Lower heat to medium and pour in the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken well.
Let it simmer for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Add cashews and cook for 2 more minutes.
Serve your cashew chicken over rice or noodles. Sprinkle green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your homemade takeout-style meal!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can switch up this cashew chicken recipe in many tasty ways. Try these easy swaps:
Protein:
Nuts:
Veggies to add:
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Snow peas
For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce. You can also use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Want a lighter meal? Serve your cashew chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. For extra crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.
You can make this dish ahead of time too. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat. The flavors get even better the next day!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Cut your chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking. This helps avoid some parts being overcooked while others are undercooked.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Toast the cashews in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor. Be careful not to burn them!
Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This can save you time on busy weeknights.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
For a veggie boost, add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish. Toss them in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce.
Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a tasty variation. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
