If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, this Cashew Chicken Recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. Imagine tender chicken pieces tossed with vibrant bell peppers and crunchy, toasted cashews, all glazed in a luscious sauce that’s rich with garlic and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, bringing a warm, homey feel to your dinner table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cashew Chicken Recipe shines because of its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in delivering bold flavors and delightful textures — from the juicy chicken breasts to the fresh crunch of bell peppers and the nutty pop of cashews.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and perfect sauce absorption.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that forms the flavor base of the dish.
- 2 bell peppers, sliced: Any color works — they bring sweetness and vibrant color to the plate.
- 1 cup crispy cashews, unsalted: Provides that signature crunch and nutty richness.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory depth while keeping things balanced with less salt.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Just enough to create a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil: Perfect for stir-frying and helping ingredients caramelize lightly.
How to Make Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every chunk cooks evenly and gets coated in sauce later on. Having uniform pieces helps the chicken cook quickly without drying out.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Marinate the chicken with the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial — the soy sauce infuses the meat with savory goodness, while the cornstarch tenderizes and helps build that velvety sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Heat your cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant — this step releases the garlic’s aroma and flavor, setting the stage for every bite to be bursting with taste.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and stir-fry them until they turn golden brown, roughly five to seven minutes. Stirring continuously helps get an even sear and locks in juiciness.
Step 5: Add Bell Peppers and Cashews
Next, toss in the sliced bell peppers and crispy cashews. Stir everything together and cook for about three minutes, just until the peppers soften but still hold some crunch. This keeps the contrast in textures delightful.
Step 6: Finish with Sauce
Mix the remaining soy sauce with the brown sugar, then pour this over the chicken mixture. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients, giving you that irresistible glossy finish.
How to Serve Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some chopped scallions or fresh cilantro on top to add a fresh burst of color and flavor. A few extra cashews as garnish also enhance the presentation and highlight the dish’s signature crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair this Cashew Chicken Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up every bit of the savory sauce. For a greener side, steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy work beautifully to round out the meal with some freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Cashew Chicken over a bed of fried rice or even nestle it inside lettuce cups. This not only makes for a playful presentation but also adds a delightful crunch and freshness that complements the main dish wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow the Cashew Chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Cashew Chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture of the bell peppers will soften after freezing, but the flavor remains delightful.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat to preserve the dish’s texture, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—cover and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! While cashews provide a buttery crunch, almonds or peanuts can serve as substitutes. Just be mindful of their roasting time so they complement rather than overpower the dish.
Is this dish spicy?
This particular Cashew Chicken Recipe leans towards sweet and savory rather than spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies if you like some heat.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here and often add even more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content.
How important is the cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is key for tenderizing the chicken and thickening the sauce, giving it that silky texture that clings well to every ingredient.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or even the night before. Cooking is best done fresh for ideal texture and flavor, but leftovers reheat nicely too.
Final Thoughts
This Cashew Chicken Recipe isn’t just a quick weeknight dinner option—it’s a warm, inviting dish that brings comfort and delight with every bite. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try; once you do, it’s sure to find a happy spot in your meal rotation as it did in mine. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and watch it become a favorite in your home!
Print
Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Cashew Chicken is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and colorful bell peppers cooked in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients with easy steps to deliver a satisfying meal that balances protein, nuts, and vegetables.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
Vegetables
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
Nuts
- 1 cup crispy cashews, unsalted
Sauces & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Oils
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy stir-frying.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well to coat and let it marinate for 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Sauté garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Add vegetables and nuts: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and 1 cup of crispy cashews. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes until the bell peppers are tender but still crisp.
- Add sauce and finish: Mix the remaining soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar until dissolved, then pour over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken, vegetables, and cashews are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cashews can be toasted if you prefer extra crunch.
- Bell peppers add sweetness and color, but you can substitute or add other vegetables like snow peas or broccoli.
- Marinating with cornstarch helps create a velvety coating on the chicken when stir-fried.
- Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
