Cashew Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Meal

Name: Delicious Cashew Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup unsalted roasted cashews; 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 inch fresh ginger, grated; 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower); 2 green onions, finely sliced; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp sesame oil

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

July 21, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

The aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger wafting through the kitchen can only mean one thing: it’s time for my favorite cashew chicken recipe! Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a savory sauce, surrounded by crunchy cashews and vibrant veggies. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that can whisk you away to your favorite takeout spot without ever leaving your cozy home.

Whenever I prepare this dish, I am flooded with memories of family dinners filled with laughter and stories. It’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you as they embark on this flavor adventure!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cashew chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare while delivering a delightful crunch from the nuts.
The flavor profile balances savory and sweet so perfectly that you’ll find yourself craving it often.
Visually, the colorful array of ingredients makes this dish pop on any plate.
It’s versatile enough to be served over rice or noodles, making it perfect for any meal!

I remember the first time my friends tried this dish; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. They couldn’t believe how simple yet delicious it was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 1 pound for the best texture; cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Cashews: Opt for unsalted roasted cashews to enhance the nutty flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Bell Peppers: Choose red and green for color and sweetness; slice them thinly for even cooking.
Fresh Garlic: A must-have ingredient; use about 3 cloves minced for maximum flavor impact.
Fresh Ginger: Grate about an inch of ginger root to add warmth and depth to the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Honey: Just a tablespoon will balance the savory notes beautifully; feel free to adjust based on your taste!
Cornstarch: Use this as a thickening agent in your sauce for that perfect glossy finish.
Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying; opt for something neutral like canola or sunflower oil.
Green Onions: Slice these finely to sprinkle on top before serving for extra color and crunch.

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness while adding moisture to the dish.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds an irresistible nutty aroma and flavor that ties everything together.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together because nobody likes a chaotic kitchen while cooking! Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice those bell peppers thinly, mince garlic, and grate ginger.

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix half of the soy sauce with cornstarch. Toss in your diced chicken until well-coated. Let it marinate while you prepare other ingredients—this step ensures juiciness.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant—about 30 seconds should do!

Add Chicken: Toss in marinated chicken pieces in batches if necessary. Cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Don’t rush this step; let those flavors develop!

Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers when the chicken is nearly done, cooking until they’re tender but still crisp—around 3-4 minutes will suffice.

Create Sauce & Finish: In another bowl, mix remaining soy sauce with honey and chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with cashews. Cook until bubbling and thickened slightly—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick!

Now take a moment to admire your vibrant creation! Serve this fantastic dish over rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal.

And there you have it—a flavorful journey through making my beloved cashew chicken recipe! Enjoy every last bite as you revel in its rich textures and tastes. Happy cooking!

You Must Know

This cashew chicken recipe is a delightful dish that combines crunchy cashews with tender chicken in a savory sauce.
The sweet and savory flavors create a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any night of the week.
It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to boost flavor. While it marinates, chop your veggies and get your cashews ready. Sauté the chicken until golden brown before adding vegetables and sauce for a perfect blend.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites or add some heat with crushed red pepper flakes. You can also try using different nuts like almonds for variety. Personalizing this dish makes it uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, preserving that delicious texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly tender chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan while sautéing; this ensures even cooking.
Always toast cashews briefly to enhance their flavor before adding them to the dish.
Finally, serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

I remember making this cashew chicken recipe for my friends during a dinner party. Their wide-eyed expressions as they took their first bites were priceless! It turned into one of those recipes everyone asks for again.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in this cashew chicken recipe?

Try using tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead; just keep it refrigerated until serving.

What should I serve with cashew chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles to soak up all that tasty sauce!

0 Shares