Cashew chicken is a delightful dish that bursts with flavors and textures, making it a favorite among many. Picture tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, savory sauce, accompanied by crunchy cashews and colorful veggies. chicken casserole recipe savory cottage cheese muffins This dish is so aromatic that it practically begs for your attention.
This recipe brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air and mouthwatering aromas wafted from the kitchen. Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or during a cozy weekend gathering, cashew chicken promises to be an unforgettable experience bursting with flavor. creamy whipped feta dip.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation ensures even novice cooks can whip this up without stress
- Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning, elevating any dinner table presentation
- This dish is versatile enough for meal prep or special occasions alike
I remember the look on my best friend’s face when she first tried my cashew chicken; her eyes widened as she devoured every last bite. For more inspiration, check out this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well, but adjust based on your guest count.
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Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves to ensure maximum flavor in your dish.
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Cashews: Use unsalted roasted cashews for that perfect crunch and nutty flavor.
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Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant red and green peppers for a colorful presentation and sweetness.
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Green Onions: These add fresh flavor and a pop of color; slice them thinly for best results.
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Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Keeps the saltiness in check while enhancing overall flavor.
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Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory elements beautifully.
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Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a zesty kick that elevates the dish’s flavor profile significantly.
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Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce and giving it that glossy finish you’ll love.
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Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
For the Sauce:
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while adding depth to your sauce.
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Sesame Oil: Just a dash adds an irresistible nutty aroma to your dish that’s simply mouthwatering.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Chicken and Veggies: Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop bell peppers into strips and slice green onions thinly. Getting everything ready now makes cooking smoother later.
Create Flavorful Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, and cornstarch until well combined. This marinade gives chicken flavor while helping it stay juicy during cooking.
Sauté Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces, browning them until they are golden brown—about 5-7 minutes—while filling your kitchen with delicious smells.
Add Veggies and Cashews: Toss in bell peppers and cashews next. Stir-fry everything together until veggies soften slightly yet still retain their crunch—around 3-4 minutes should do!
Pour in the Sauce: Once veggies are ready, pour the marinade over everything in the skillet. Cook until bubbly and thickened; you’ll know it’s ready when it coats everything beautifully.
Add Green Onions: Finally, sprinkle fresh green onions on top before serving. Their bright color and flavor complete this dish perfectly!
Enjoy this delightful cashew chicken with steamed rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal experience! creamy Tuscan sausage soup.
You Must Know
- Cashew chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful experience
- The crunch of the cashews, the tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables create a symphony of flavors that will keep your taste buds dancing
- Serve it over rice for an unforgettable meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by marinating the chicken first to enhance flavor, then sauté your veggies while the chicken cooks. This method maximizes efficiency and ensures everything is freshly cooked to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cashews for peanuts or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Experimenting can lead to delicious surprises!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cashew chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your cashew chicken shines, remember to use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be juicy and tender
- Lastly, toast the cashews before adding them for an extra crunch!
Sharing my first attempt at making cashew chicken was a hilarious disaster—my friends still tease me about the “chicken-flavored rubber.” Thankfully, I learned quickly what works and what doesn’t!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for cashew chicken?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
What can I serve with cashew chicken?
Rice is classic, but quinoa or noodles are great alternatives too.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add chili flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking for extra heat!
Cashew Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Cashew chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy cashews and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a rich savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe promises satisfying bites that will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy it over rice or noodles for a complete meal experience.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsalted roasted cashews
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, ginger, and cornstarch to create a marinade. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté marinated chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add bell peppers and cashews; stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until veggies are slightly softened.
- Pour in the marinade and cook until bubbly and thickened.
- Top with sliced green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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