Cashew Chicken – Better Than Takeout! 🥢🔥
This Cashew Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and crisp vegetables tossed in a delicious homemade sauce. A healthier, tastier alternative to takeout!
📌 Servings: 4
⏳ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
🥢 Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup peas (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ cup roasted cashews
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for umami)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sriracha (if using), and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
3️⃣ Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4️⃣ Cook the Veggies
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil.
- Stir-fry garlic, ginger, bell peppers, peas, and broccoli for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
5️⃣ Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce, stirring well to coat everything.
- Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6️⃣ Add the Cashews & Serve!
- Stir in roasted cashews and toss everything together.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles!
Notes & Tips:
✔ For extra crispiness, coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
✔ Add heat with extra chili flakes or sriracha.
✔ Substitutions: Swap cashews for almonds or peanuts. Use tofu for a vegetarian option.
✔ Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbs: ~25g
- Fat: ~18g
Health Benefits:
✅ High in Protein – Great for muscle growth & repair.
✅ Heart-Healthy Fats – Cashews provide good fats & minerals.
✅ Packed with Veggies – Supports digestion & immunity.
✅ Low in Processed Sugar – A healthier alternative to takeout!
Q&A Section:
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
✔ Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a pan for best texture.
❓ Can I use other meats?
✔ Absolutely! Try shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
❓ Can I air-fry the chicken instead?
✔ Yes! Toss chicken in cornstarch and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, shaking halfway.
Would you like any variations, like a spicy version or extra crunchy coating? 😍🔥