Easy Cashew Chicken

Name: Easy Cashew Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ( cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 8 scallions (sliced, white and green parts separated); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup water; 3/4 cup raw cashews (toasted); Salt and pepper (to taste); White rice (for serving (optional))

4.5 from 4 votes

Recipe by Danelle

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Posted July 18, 2024Last Updated October 18, 2024

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Tender chicken and toasted cashews in an Asian inspired sauce. Ready in 30 minutes or less!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When a delicious meal like this Easy Cashew Chicken comes together in 20 minutes and everyone cleans their plates, you know it’s going in the favorites file!

I made this for my family last month and we all had seconds. It was so good! I’m making it again tonight. Thanks for the terrific recipe!

Lisa

The hardest thing about this dish is remembering to thaw your chicken.

You also need to remember to start your rice well ahead of time if you’re planning to serve that as a side dish. Because this cashew chicken comes together that fast!

It really does add great flavor to use toasted cashews, and it’s easy to do. Just cook them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes.

This step can be done ahead of time, and really makes the dish!

I really love the simplicity of this dish, and the fact that my kids clear their plates without complaining!

Plus, it’s so easy to add vegetables, like carrots, broccoli, peppers and mushrooms to make it a complete meal. My kids are so much more willing to eat their veggies when dinner resembles something they can get at their favorite restaurant.

And why would you ever get take-out when it’s this quick and easy to make cashew chicken at home?

This flavorful chicken dinner comes together way faster than you could get a delivery from your favorite Chinese restaurant.

This Easy Cashew Chicken has been a family favorite for years, and I’m sure it will be for years to come. I hope you try it and love it as much as we do!

What Should I Serve With Cashew Chicken?

Hot cooked rice or noodles are a must at our house when we eat cashew chicken, but there are some great Asian dishes that work well on the side.

These are some of our favorite Asian-inspired dishes to enjoy with cashew chicken.

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup — **Air Fryer Asian Sesame Green Beans**

Recipe Tips

Do not skip toasting the cashews! It only takes a few minutes and makes a huge difference in the flavor of the finished dish.
Use a wok for this recipe if possible. Woks heat up fast and cook quickly, which allows you to use less oil. And the high-heat cooking method adds a distinct flavor to food.

Ingredients

Chicken – I use chicken breasts, but thighs work too
Cornstarch
Vegetable oil – or your preferred cooking oil
Produce: garlic, scallions
Rice vinegar
Hoisin sauce – found in the Asian section at most grocery stores
Cashews – whole cashews, toasted for flavor
Salt and pepper
Rice, for serving

FAQs

Do I need a wok for this recipe?

No, although that’s the best way to cook most Asian-style stir fry recipes. But you can use a large skillet or sauté pan too. If you’re looking to purchase a wok, I recommend a flat-bottomed style made of carbon steel. It doesn’t have to be a terribly expensive wok, and it will become one of the most used tools in your kitchen.

What is hoisin sauce?

Hoisin is a sweet and salty Asian sauce, most often used in Cantonese cooking, that usually includes soybeans, fennel, red chili peppers, and garlic.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Tofu is a great substitute for chicken if you want to make a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Can I add vegetables to this cashew chicken?

Of course! Thinly sliced bell peppers and snow peas are some of our favorite add-ins, but the possibilities are almost endless.

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