Cashew Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken pieces with crunchy cashews in a savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why This Cashew Chicken Is the Best
- Savory Sauce: The sauce is a perfect blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, creating a rich and savory flavor.
- Crunchy Cashews: Whole cashews add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the tender chicken.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken is cooked to perfection, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or simply craving a flavorful and satisfying dish, Cashew Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of savory sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy cashews makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Salted butter and olive oil: Provide a rich base for cooking the chicken, adding flavor and helping achieve a nice sear.
- Chicken breast: The main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Chicken stock, low sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar: Combine to create a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce that coats the chicken.
- Corn starch: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings well to the chicken and cashews.
- Unsalted cashews: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the savory sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Cashew Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and cashews.
- Toast the Cashews: Toast the cashews before adding them to the dish to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Season Well: Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of soy sauce for maximum flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the dish immediately after cooking to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve Cashew Chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious touch.
- With Noodles: Enjoy it with a side of stir-fried noodles for an extra indulgent dinner.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Cashew Chicken. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Savory, nutty, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Cashew Chicken
This Cashew Chicken is a deliciously savory stir-fry that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal! 🍗🥜 Juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant veggies come together in a rich, flavorful sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s an easy dish that packs a punch of flavor and texture in every bite. Ready to bring some takeout-style goodness to your kitchen? Try the recipe and enjoy this flavorful dish!
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp salted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 pounds chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 ½ Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp corn starch
- ¾ cup unsalted cashews
- salt and pepper to taste
- For serving opt : rice sesame seeds, sliced green onions, broccoli
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 2 pounds of diced chicken in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until browned, then flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown. Reduce the heat to low, stir in 2 teaspoons of garlic, and cook for one more minute.
Make the sauce:
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together ¾ cup chicken stock, ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 ½ tablespoons vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a small bowl.
Simmer:
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens. Stir in ¾ cup cashews.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken and sauce over rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desire
Notes
- Heat: For a spicy kick, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Veggies: Feel free to add cooked vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or stir-fry veggies when adding the cashews for extra flavor and texture.