If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crunch, sweetness, and savory goodness, this Cashew Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. With tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious sauce, complemented by crispy cashews and vibrant vegetables, every bite delivers a mouthwatering combination that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it to guests, this recipe is a delicious celebration of flavors you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cashew Chicken Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in building its irresistible flavor and texture. From succulent chicken breast to crunchy cashews and a sauce that ties it all together, these ingredients come together so effortlessly but yield incredible taste.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they provide tender, juicy protein to the dish.
- 1 cup cashew nuts: Offering a delightful crunch and subtle buttery flavor that elevates the texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce, giving it a beautiful glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds salty, umami depth to the dish’s profile.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances richness with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a faint nutty aroma that complements the cashews perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- 1/4 cup honey: Balances the savoriness with a natural sweet touch.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking to sear the chicken beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper: Sliced for vibrant color and a slight crunch that contrasts perfectly with tender chicken.
- 1 onion: Sliced to add sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic flavor that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.
How to Make Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re fully coated. This marinade not only adds flavor but also ensures the chicken stays moist and tender throughout cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Place a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. High heat is key here to quickly sear the chicken and lock in those juices while building a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Sauté them until each piece is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic into the same skillet. Sauté these until they become tender and fragrant, usually around 3-4 minutes. Their softened sweetness perfectly complements the savory chicken and sauce to come.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet along with the sauce mixture from the marinade bowl. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering helps the sauce thicken beautifully, coating all the ingredients with a glossy, irresistible sheen.
Step 6: Add Cashews and Finish
Finally, stir in the cashew nuts and cook for another minute to let them warm through and mingle with the sauce. The cashews add that perfect nutty crunch, giving this Cashew Chicken Recipe its signature texture and flavor combination.
How to Serve Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro on top elevates the dish’s freshness and adds a pop of color. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds can also enhance the nutty nuance and create a lovely presentation.
Side Dishes
This Cashew Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or even some stir-fried noodles to keep those comforting Asian vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Cashew Chicken in lettuce cups for a handheld delight that’s crisp and refreshing. Another idea is to plate it over a bed of quinoa or mix it into a vibrant Asian-inspired salad with shredded cabbage and carrots for an exciting texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect ready-to-eat option on busy days.
Freezing
This Cashew Chicken Recipe also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, which is a great way to prepare meals in advance without compromising flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the dish over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help revive the sauce’s silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! While cashews are traditional and provide a soft crunch, you can substitute with almonds or peanuts for a different texture and flavor, though it will slightly change the signature taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. Always double-check labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients sneak in.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh chopped chili, or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce during cooking can give the Cashew Chicken Recipe a delicious spicy kick.
What type of bell pepper works best?
Any color bell pepper works well, but red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add a nice sweetness and vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
How do I get the chicken pieces crispy?
Cooking the chicken over high heat without overcrowding the pan is key. This allows the surface to brown nicely. You can also lightly dust the chicken with cornstarch before marinating for an extra crispy touch.
Final Thoughts
This Cashew Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy to the table with its delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends and family. I hope you have as much fun making and enjoying it as I do—once you try it, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cashew Chicken is a quick and delicious stir-fry that combines tender chicken breasts with crunchy cashew nuts, sweet bell peppers, and savory garlic in a rich, flavorful sauce. This family favorite recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
Vegetables and Nuts
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup cashew nuts
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Marinate chicken: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the marinade. This helps tenderize the chicken and build flavor.
- Heat oil: Place a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil, letting it heat up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Make sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the honey and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cashews: Stir in the cashew nuts and cook for an additional minute to warm them through and blend all the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cashew chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and hearty meal.
Notes
- For added crunch and flavor, lightly toast the cashews before adding them to the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies during the vegetable sauté step.
- This recipe works well with other vegetables such as snap peas or broccoli for variation.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content if desired.
