If you’re looking for a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce, then this Cashew Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Popular in Chinese-American cuisine, this dish has earned its place as a weeknight favorite for families, foodies, and anyone who appreciates a good stir-fry.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making restaurant-quality cashew chicken at home. From selecting the right ingredients to cooking tips that ensure perfect texture and flavor, this article is your one-stop guide.
What Is Cashew Chicken?
Cashew chicken is a stir-fried dish made with bite-sized chicken pieces, roasted cashews, and vegetables like bell peppers, scallions, and sometimes carrots or broccoli. It’s typically coated in a rich, savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar or honey.
While its roots are in Chinese cuisine, cashew chicken as it’s known today became popular in Chinese-American kitchens. The dish is known for its perfect balance of textures: tender meat, crunchy nuts, and crisp vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Cashew Chicken Recipe
-
Quick and easy: This meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
-
Customizable: You can adjust the veggies or sauce to fit your taste.
-
Nutritious: Loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from cashews.
-
Better than takeout: Less greasy, more flavorful, and made with whole ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
-
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
-
1 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
For the Sauce:
-
2 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp oyster sauce
-
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
-
1 tbsp rice vinegar or dry sherry
-
1 tsp sesame oil
-
1 tsp sugar or honey
-
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
-
1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
For the Stir-Fry:
-
1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
-
1 red bell pepper, chopped
-
1 green bell pepper, chopped
-
2 green onions, sliced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make Cashew Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Chicken
Toss the diced chicken pieces in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This gives them a light coating that crisps up nicely when cooked and helps the sauce stick later.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (if using), sesame oil, sugar, vinegar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set this aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Then add bell peppers and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan, add the cashews, pour in the sauce, and stir well to coat. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
-
Use high heat: Stir-frying works best over high heat to sear the meat and veggies quickly.
-
Cut evenly: Keep your chicken and vegetables roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
-
Don’t overcrowd: If your pan is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming.
-
Toast your cashews: Even if they’re pre-roasted, giving them a quick toast in a dry pan can intensify the flavor.
Health Benefits of Cashew Chicken
This recipe offers a good mix of macronutrients:
-
Protein from chicken helps in muscle repair.
-
Healthy fats from cashews support brain health.
-
Vegetables provide fiber and essential vitamins.
Using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling the sugar content also makes it a healthier alternative to takeout versions.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Cashew chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture, or microwave in short bursts. Avoid freezing as the sauce and cashews may lose quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and often preferred for stir-fries due to their richer flavor.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default. Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to make it gluten-free.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, and carrots are great additions.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
5. What’s the best rice to serve with this?
Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice works well. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb option.
6. Can I use raw cashews?
Raw cashews should be lightly roasted before adding to the stir-fry for best flavor.
7. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
You can use mushroom sauce or a mix of hoisin and soy sauce as an alternative.
8. Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili for heat.
9. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, store sauce and cooked ingredients separately and reheat just before serving.
10. How do I keep the chicken tender?
Marinating the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking can help retain moisture.
11. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but stir-fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
12. Is hoisin sauce necessary?
No, it adds sweetness and depth, but you can skip it or substitute with a bit of honey.
13. Can I make this oil-free?
Stir-frying requires some oil for flavor and cooking. Using a non-stick pan with minimal oil is a good compromise.
14. How long does it take to cook?
The cooking process takes about 20 minutes once ingredients are prepped.
15. What’s the origin of cashew chicken?
It originated as a Chinese-American dish, but there’s also a popular Thai version with slightly different flavor notes.
Final Thoughts
This cashew chicken recipe offers the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and nutrition. It’s versatile enough for weeknight meals but delicious enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or looking to elevate your homemade takeout game, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite around the world.
Cashew Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for stir-frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce optional
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or dry sherry
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch for thickening
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Coat the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This helps create a light crust and allows the sauce to adhere better.
Make the Sauce:
- In a separate small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar or honey, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Then toss in the bell peppers and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything:
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the roasted cashews, and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Related posts:
The Best Creamy Chicken Sausage ORZO Skillet Recipe: A Delicious, Easy, and Comforting One-Pan Meal
Golden & Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Gooey Cheese Recipe: A Delicious Comfort Food Delight
Cottage Cheese Flatbread Recipe: A Delicious, Protein-Packed Delight
Greek Yoghurt Brownies Recipe: A Healthier, Delicious Chocolate Treat