Introduction:
This homemade Cashew Chicken recipe takes the classic Chinese-American dish to the next level, delivering crispy chicken, tender vegetables, and rich, savory sauce all in one delicious dish.
By making it yourself, you control the quality of ingredients and can tweak the flavors to your liking.
Whether you’re craving takeout or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
For the Stir-Fry:
1/2 cup roasted cashews (unsalted)
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch.
Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Combine:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to coat.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully coated.
Add Cashews and Garnish:
Stir in the roasted cashews and cook for an additional minute. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Serve:
Serve the Cashew Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Description:
This Cashew Chicken is a perfect balance of crispy chicken, tender vegetables, and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that’s irresistible.
The roasted cashews add a crunchy texture that complements the tenderness of the chicken and vegetables.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can have this flavorful dish ready in under 30 minutes—far quicker and healthier than waiting for takeout!
Tips:
Chicken:
For extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken pieces by dipping them in egg before dredging in the cornstarch mixture.
Sauce Thickness:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a little more cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce while it’s simmering.
Vegetables:
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli, depending on your preference.
Cashews:
To keep the cashews crunchy, don’t add them until the last step when the sauce is thickened and you’re ready to serve.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or even a dash of chili sauce.
Variations:
Spicy Cashew Chicken:
Add more crushed red pepper flakes, chili paste, or fresh sliced chilies to increase the spice level.
Low-Carb Version:
Skip the flour and cornstarch for a lighter version. You can also replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Vegetarian Version:
Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly dish.
Corrections:
If the sauce isn’t thickening, you can make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little water and stirring it into the sauce until you reach the desired thickness.
If the chicken isn’t crisp enough, increase the heat during frying or ensure the chicken is well-coated in cornstarch before frying.
Enjoy:
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to enjoy your homemade, better-than-takeout Cashew Chicken! Serve it with your favorite side, and savor the crispiness, crunch, and flavor-packed sauce.
This is sure to be a family favorite!