Cashew Chicken {Better than Takeout!}

Cashew Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful garlic sauce. This homemade version is not only healthier but also quicker than ordering takeout, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.​Averie Cooks
• Healthier Than Takeout: With wholesome ingredients and less oil, you can enjoy a guilt-free meal.​
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives.​Ambitious Kitchen+2The Lean Green Bean+2Ahead of Thyme+2
• Delicious Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.​

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts​
• Cornstarch​Pinch of Yum+7Averie Cooks+7The Recipe Critic+7
• Salt and pepper​Averie Cooks+1The Recipe Critic+1
• Olive oil​Averie Cooks+1Allrecipes+1
• Soy sauce​Bon Appétit+15Reddit+15Reddit+15
• Chicken broth​Ahead of Thyme
• Minced garlic​The Recipe Critic
• Brown sugar​
• Hoisin sauce​Epicurious+7The Recipe Critic+7Family Food on the Table+7
• Sesame oil​RecipeTin Eats+3The Recipe Critic+3Averie Cooks+3
• Unsalted cashews​Averie Cooks+2The Recipe Critic+2Family Food on the Table+2
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)​Family Food on the Table+4Wikipedia+4Simply Recipes+4
• Cooked rice (for serving)​Epicurious+8Simply Recipes+8Allrecipes+8

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken pieces in a ziplock bag with cornstarch, seal, and shake to coat evenly.​The Recipe Critic
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.​
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.​The Recipe Critic
4. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and add the cashews. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken and cashews evenly.​
5. Serve: Serve the cashew chicken over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.​
• Prep Time: 5 minutes​Family Food on the Table
• Cook Time: 15 minutes​Ambitious Kitchen+6Family Food on the Table+6Averie Cooks+6
• Total Time: 20 minutes​Wikipedia+3Allrecipes+3Ambitious Kitchen+3

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a seafood twist.​Bon Appétit
• Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish by adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.​
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicier flavor.​
• Nut Variations: Swap cashews with almonds or peanuts if preferred.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cashew chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.​Fed & Fit
• Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.​

FAQs

What is cashew chicken?

Cashew chicken is a Chinese-American dish featuring stir-fried or deep-fried chicken pieces tossed with cashew nuts and vegetables in a savory sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will provide a juicier result due to their higher fat content.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that all other ingredients, such as hoisin sauce, are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cashew chicken can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to add the cashews just before serving to maintain their crunch.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Simply stir-fry them after cooking the chicken and before adding the sauce.

What can I serve with cashew chicken?

Cashew chicken pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I freeze cashew chicken?

Yes, cashew chicken can be frozen. Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Avoid overcooking the chicken by cooking it just until it’s no longer pink in the center. Using chicken thighs can also help, as they are more forgiving due to their higher fat content.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce to introduce some heat.

Are roasted or raw cashews better for this recipe?

Roasted unsalted cashews are preferred for their crunchy texture and depth of flavor. If using raw cashews, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before adding to the dish.

Conclusion

Making Cashew Chicken at home is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. With its tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, ensuring a delightful meal every time. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this classic dish with ease and confidence!

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