The Perfect Cashew Chicken Recipe: Better Than Any Takeout

Whipping up cashew chicken better than takeout might just become your new culinary adventure tonight!

My kitchen experiments have revealed secrets that make this dish shine brighter than standard restaurant versions.

Tender chicken pieces dance with crunchy cashews in a sauce that balances sweet and savory perfectly.

Authentic flavors emerge from carefully selected ingredients and smart cooking techniques.

Seasoned with care, this recipe promises a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Home cooking beats delivery every single time when you master these simple steps.

Trust me, you’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable meal.

Why Cashew Chicken Beats Takeout Every Time

• Conquer Takeout Cravings: Craft a restaurant-quality cashew chicken dish right in your kitchen without the hefty delivery price tag.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a delicious, protein-packed meal in just a few simple steps with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily swap vegetables or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutrition Meets Satisfaction: Enjoy a balanced meal packed with lean protein, crunchy vegetables, and protein-rich cashews that keeps everyone full and happy.

Cashew Chicken Shopping List: Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken: Lean meat that serves as the main protein source for this delicious stir-fry dish.
• Cashews: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the chicken.

• Broccoli, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and nutritional value to the meal.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, light garnish with a mild onion flavor.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Savory condiments that create a rich umami base for the sauce.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy note to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a distinctive nutty aroma to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers a decorative and crunchy garnish.
• Oil: Used for cooking and stir-frying the ingredients.

Step Into the Kitchen: Cashew Chicken Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chicken Pieces

Grab your chicken and coat it with cornstarch. This magical trick will give you that irresistible golden crunch that makes takeout so addictive.

Massage the cornstarch into every nook and cranny of the chicken until it’s perfectly covered.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat.

Toss in the chicken and let it dance around the pan. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color developing.

Cook until the chicken is completely done, then scoop it out and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken the Vegetables

Splash more oil into the hot skillet.

• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Garlic
• Ginger

Let them sizzle and soften, creating a fragrant symphony of flavors.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Honey
• Vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Chicken broth

Whisk them together until they’re beautifully combined.

Add a cornstarch slurry to give the sauce that perfect glossy texture.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Reunite the chicken with the veggies in the skillet.

Pour that incredible sauce over everything, stirring to coat every morsel. Let it bubble and thicken for a minute.

Sprinkle in crunchy cashews for that final magical touch.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Shower the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Serve over steaming rice or noodles. Prepare for taste bud fireworks!

Pro Secrets for Restaurant-Quality Cashew Chicken

• Toss chicken in cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and creates a golden-brown finish.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and vegetables.
• Saute vegetables quickly over high heat to maintain their vibrant colors and crisp texture, avoiding soggy or overcooked produce.
• Toast cashews briefly before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure each component is added at the perfect moment for optimal flavor and texture.

Variations That Elevate Cashew Chicken to New Heights

• Spicy Cashew Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick. Incorporate diced jalapeños during stir-frying for extra heat.
• Thai-Inspired Cashew Chicken: Replace oyster sauce with fish sauce. Add fresh basil leaves and a squeeze of lime juice at the end. Use coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Cashew Chicken: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce honey or use a sugar-free alternative. Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for volume.

Perfect Pairings to Serve Alongside Cashew Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Opt for a light, refreshing Riesling or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the dish's rich, savory flavors and complements the nutty cashew notes.
• Create Asian-Inspired Beverage Combo: Serve with cold jasmine tea or a light Asian beer like Tsingtao, which balances the chicken's umami and provides a clean, refreshing finish.
• Match with Aromatic Rice Side: Select jasmine rice or coconut rice to enhance the dish's subtle sweetness and absorb the delicious sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Select Zesty Citrus Drink: Prepare a fresh lemonade or yuzu-based mocktail that adds bright, tangy undertones to the meal and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Store Cashew Chicken Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled cashew chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Why use cornstarch on chicken?

Cornstarch creates a crispy, golden exterior and helps lock in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and gets a beautiful light crunch when cooked.

• Can I use different nuts instead of cashews?

Absolutely! Almonds or peanuts work great as substitutes if you don’t have cashews, providing a similar nutty texture and flavor to the dish.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or thin?

Whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly and add it gradually while stirring constantly. This helps you control the sauce’s consistency and prevent lumps from forming.

• Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers during the stir-frying stage to introduce heat and kick up the flavor profile of the cashew chicken.

Cashew Chicken Better Than Takeout! Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade cashew chicken elevates classic Chinese-American comfort cuisine with crispy, golden-brown chicken and crunchy cashews in a silky sauce. Each bite delivers restaurant-quality flavor that will delight you with its perfect balance of textures and zesty seasonings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)

Vegetables and Nuts:

• 1.5 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
• 0.5 cup roasted cashews
• 2 green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 0.25 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with cornstarch to ensure a crisp, golden exterior when cooking.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F and sear chicken until completely golden and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping the residual heat and flavors in the pan.
4. Add additional oil to the skillet and quickly sauté broccoli, bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger until vegetables reach a vibrant, tender-crisp consistency.
5. Prepare sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Incorporate cornstarch into the sauce to create a glossy, thickening agent that will coat ingredients evenly.
7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and pour sauce over the entire mixture, stirring gently to ensure complete coverage.
8. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing sauce to reduce and cling to chicken and vegetables.
9. Fold in roasted cashews, providing a crunchy textural contrast to the tender chicken.
10. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
11. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or tender noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Toss chicken in cornstarch for an extra crispy, restaurant-style texture that locks in moisture and creates a golden-brown exterior.
• Swap broccoli and bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini to keep the dish exciting and nutritionally diverse.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh, ensuring the same delicious sauce coats your plant-based protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg