Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cashew Chicken is a savory, nutty, and slightly sweet stir-fry dish that pairs tender chicken pieces with crunchy cashews, crisp vegetables, and a rich garlic-soy sauce. This homemade version rivals your favorite takeout, offering fresher ingredients, more flavor control, and a quick cook time perfect for busy weeknights.

ingredients

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

chicken breastscornstarchsoy saucehoisin sauceoyster saucerice vinegarbrown sugarsesame oilgarlicgingerred bell peppergreen onionsunsalted cashewsvegetable oilwater

directions

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss with a bit of cornstarch to coat.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Toss in chopped red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

Return the chicken to the pan along with the cashews.

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for more veggies.

Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha.

Swap cashews with peanuts for a different twist.

Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use roasted cashews?

Yes, roasted unsalted cashews work best for flavor and texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free hoisin/oyster sauces to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and sauce in advance and cook just before serving.

What can I serve with cashew chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles are all great options.

Can I freeze cashew chicken?

It’s best eaten fresh, but it can be frozen. The cashews may soften after thawing.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute tofu for the chicken and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?

Adjust with a splash of water to thin or simmer longer to thicken as needed.

Do I need a wok?

No, a large nonstick skillet works just fine.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but freshly cooked chicken absorbs the sauce better.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your pan is large enough to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Cashew Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes. With its balance of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite. Skip the takeout and enjoy a better, fresher version right from your own kitchen!