Introduction to Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that brings together tender chicken breast, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables in a savory-sweet sauce.It’s a healthier option than takeout, made in just one pan and full of bold flavor. This version includes broccoli, red bell pepper, edamame, and a delicious blend of soy sauce, honey, and chili garlic sauce for a touch of heat. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy.
How to Make Cashew Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a simple way to cook cashew chicken at home:
- Prep the chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. This helps create a crisp texture when cooking. - Sauté the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set aside. - Stir-fry the vegetables
In the same skillet, pour in sesame oil. Add broccoli, red bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and edamame. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. - Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, and rice wine vinegar. - Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. - Add cashews and green onions
Mix in the cashews and green onions. Let it cook for 1 more minute to warm the cashews and finish the dish. - Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own as a low-carb meal.
Cashew Chicken: A Quick, Flavorful Stir-Fry You’ll Love
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cashew chicken is a tasty, easy-to-make stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast, crunchy cashews, and colorful vegetables tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. This homemade recipe is a healthier alternative to takeout, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
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1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 heaping cups broccoli florets
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1 cup frozen edamame
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1 cup red bell peppers, sliced
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3/4 cup green onions, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3/4 tsp ground ginger
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3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp Asian chili garlic sauce
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1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
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3 tbsp cornstarch
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp sesame oil
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1 cup unsalted dry-roasted whole cashews
Instructions
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Prep the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until coated.
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Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the vegetables: Add sesame oil to skillet. Stir-fry broccoli, red bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and edamame for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
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Make the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, and rice wine vinegar.
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Combine: Return chicken to skillet, pour sauce over, and stir well. Cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Add finishing touches: Stir in cashews and green onions, cook 1 minute more.
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Serve: Enjoy over rice, noodles, or on its own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Cashew Chicken Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy ways to customize your cashew chicken.
Spicy Cashew Chicken
Add more chili garlic sauce or toss in red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
Veggie-Packed Version
Include extra vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. Just adjust the stir-fry time to keep everything crisp.
Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly
Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or on a bed of leafy greens. Reduce the honey slightly if needed.
Vegetarian Option
Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use the same marinade and stir-fry method for delicious results.
Gluten-Free Version
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
What to Serve with Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
- Steamed white or brown rice — A classic and simple base that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Fried rice — For extra flavor and texture, serve with vegetable or egg fried rice.
- Noodles — Try it over rice noodles, lo mein, or even soba noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Cauliflower rice — A low-carb option that maintains a light meal.
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables — Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add freshness and extra nutrients.
- Simple green salad — Balance the rich flavors with a crisp salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep your cashew chicken fresh and tasty:
- Store properly: Store leftovers in a sealed container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little water or broth.
- Avoid soggy cashews: To keep cashews crunchy, you can add fresh cashews after reheating instead of reheating them with the dish.
- Freeze for longer storage: Cashew chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Cashew chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures to your table. With tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh vegetables all coated in a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the tasty variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade stir-fry that’s both satisfying and full of flavor!
