Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken

This cashew chicken recipe comes together in about 10 minutes and is a healthier version of the classic Chinese takeout dish!

These tender bites of chicken are coated in a bold homemade sauce and mixed with roasted cashews. Serve it over a bed of rice with a side of steamed broccoli and dinner is on the table in no time!

Chinese Cashew Chicken Recipe

I have no idea why this is, but Christmas always makes me crave Japanese and Chinese food. Yup, not an Asian ancestor in me, but the holidays, a time when we reflect on family and make family favorite recipes, always makes me want Chinese food like our crispy honey chicken. I have never had cashew chicken at home until now, and I’m sure there are gobs and gobs of recipes out there, but this one is our personal favorite, especially because it’s quick and easy. For real.

I adore cooking, but there’s nothing I love more than a delicious dinner that took no time at all to clean up and then busting out our pajamas and relaxing. It’s my favorite time of day. I love sending everyone upstairs to hop into pajamas.

Especially during the winter because it means I can really get cozy and warm. I have the worst circulation and unless one of you know of some secret way to fix that I depend on layers all winter long. In fact, even during the summer you’ll always catch me in slippers or socks because my feet are freezing. I can’t be the only one, don’t any of you love getting into your pajamas and snuggling up?

Cashew Chicken Ingredients

For this chicken with cashews recipe, you’ll need only a handful of pantry staples and all the ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this restaurant quality recipe right at home. Here is what you will need…

Chicken

• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• cornstarch
• salt and pepper
• garlic
• rice vinegar
• canola oil

Sauce

• hoisin sauce
• soy sauce
• brown sugar
• ground ginger
• water
• cornstarch

Add-Ins

• dry roasted cashews
• sesame oil

This is meant to be an overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For the detailed measurements, scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.

How to Make Cashew Chicken 

In addition to keeping the ingredients list as simple as possible, we also decided to skip the deep-frying and opted to cook the cashew chicken in an oiled skillet instead. Here are the main steps for making this cashew chicken recipe: 

1. Toast the cashews to bring out that nutty flavor.
2. Toss the diced chicken with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. 
3. Cook the chicken in a well oiled skillet until it’s brown on all sides.
4. While the chicken cooks, stir together the cashew chicken sauce. 
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened. 
6. Toss the cashews and a little sesame oil with the chicken and serve. Top with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

All of the detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Can I Make Cashew Chicken with Chicken Thighs Instead? 

Yes, I’m sure chicken thighs could be used instead of chicken breasts. Just note that you’ll want boneless skinless thighs for this Chinese chicken recipe. 

Can I Add Veggies to My Cashew Chicken?

Definitely! Snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, bell pepper, and baby corn would all be delicious additions to this homemade cashew chicken. You may want to sauté the vegetables before cooking the chicken and add them back to the skillet when you toss everything with the sauce. (You don’t want to overcook the vegetables!)

Can I Make This Gluten Free? 

Yes, by using cornstarch rather than flour to dredge the chicken, it should be gluten free. You’ll want to double check that your soy sauce is gluten free (if it’s not, you can use tamari instead). 

Tips for Making Cashew Chicken

Try to cut the chicken into even-sized pieces so that it all cooks at roughly the same rate. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but do your best.

If you prefer your cashew chicken on the spicier side, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Be careful, a little goes a long way!   

What to Eat with Cashew Chicken

If you serve this chicken with steamed rice and a side of broccoli as shown, you don’t need anymore more than that. But if you want to change things up or you’re feeding a crowd and want more options, try the following side dishes to go with it:

• fried rice
• egg drop soup
• Asian cucumber salad
• sauteed snap peas
• lettuce wraps

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days but I recommend eating in 2-3 days for maximum flavor.

And if you have leftover Chinese cashew chicken, I recommend reheating it in a skillet with a little oil over low heat. This will prevent the chicken and sauce from drying out and becoming rubbery.

The contrasting textures of the tender chicken with the crunchy cashews covered in a sweet and salty sticky sauce makes this cashew chicken totally irresistible! Forget the Chinese takeout and make this quick and simple recipe at home!

More Asian Recipes: 

• Thai Peanut Chicken with Noodles
• Homemade Orange Chicken
• Korean Asian Braised Short Ribs
• Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
• Thai Peanut Steak Salad
• Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
• Pork Dumplings
• Teriyaki Chicken Noodles
• Sweet and Spicy Orange Salmon
• Grilled Sweet and Sour Chicken
• …All of Our Asian Recipes! 

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