Ingredients for Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The essential protein base for our cashew chicken. Cut uniformly for even cooking; velvet for tenderness.
• Unsalted roasted cashews: The star of the show, providing a crucial crunchy texture. Use unsalted to control the dish’s overall sodium.
• Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a sweet, crisp texture. Dice evenly for quick cooking and visual appeal.
• Yellow onion: Contributes a foundational aromatic sweetness and subtle bite. Sauté until softened to release its full flavor.
• Cornstarch: The secret to tender, “velveted” chicken and a glossy, thick sauce. Mix with water to avoid lumps.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the essential savory umami base for authentic Chinese-American flavor. Use low-sodium to manage saltiness.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a crucial tang and bright acidity, balancing the sauce’s richness. Don’t skip for authentic flavor.
• Hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce): Delivers deep, sweet, savory umami depth to the sauce. This ingredient is key for classic flavor.
• Chicken broth (or water): Forms the liquid base for our flavorful sauce, ensuring perfect consistency. Use low-sodium broth for control.
• Fresh ginger, grated: Infuses a warm, pungent, and aromatic kick. Always use fresh for the best, most vibrant flavor.
• Fresh garlic, minced: A powerful aromatic that builds the flavor foundation. Mince finely to distribute pungent notes evenly.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the savory and tangy notes in the sauce, enhancing overall flavor. Adjust to your preferred sweetness.
• Neutral oil (e.g., vegetable, canola): The ideal medium for high-heat stir-frying, ensuring even cooking. Use an oil with a high smoke point.
• Toasted sesame oil: Aromatic finishing oil, providing a deep, nutty fragrance. Add at the very end for maximum impact.
• Green onions (scallions), sliced: Offers a fresh, mild oniony bite and bright garnish. Sprinkle generously before serving for freshness.

How to Make Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken

Marinate Chicken:

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon cornstarch to coat evenly. This simple coating helps create tender chicken and is the first step towards your amazing Cashew Chicken.

Whisk Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, granulated sugar, and remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth. Set aside for later.

Cook Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer; cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Sauté Veggies:

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Sauté diced red bell pepper and yellow onion for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. This adds a lovely crunch to our Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken.

Thicken Sauce:

Pour the whisked sauce mixture into the skillet with the veggies. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens and gently coats the vegetables. It should be glossy and bubbling.

Combine & Finish:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the unsalted roasted cashews and the toasted sesame oil, tossing gently to combine all ingredients. Your Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken is almost ready!

Serve Cashew Chicken:

Transfer your finished Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken to serving plates. Garnish generously with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice for a truly satisfying and quick weeknight dinner.

How to Store Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken

To store leftover Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out, or you’ll risk soggy chicken and spoilage, a mistake I learned from! Check for off smells or slimy texture; that’s when it’s time to discard.

For quicker meals, whisk the sauce and dice veggies up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated. Cook chicken and combine with sauce and cashews just before serving. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

What to Serve with Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken

To serve your Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken, spoon it generously over fluffy steamed white or brown rice. For a vibrant presentation, garnish with extra sliced green onions. This dish is perfect to enjoy immediately while hot. You can also pair it with a light cucumber salad for a complete and refreshing meal.

I personally love to serve this dish simply over a generous scoop of fluffy jasmine rice. This effortless pairing is perfect for a cozy evening, allowing me to truly enjoy every comforting, savory bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute hoisin sauce in this Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can! Oyster sauce is a good alternative for the hoisin, offering a similar savory depth. I’ve used it when I ran out, and it still tasted great. Just ensure it’s a quality brand for the best flavor.

→ How do I prevent soggy chicken when making this Cashew Chicken dish?

To prevent soggy chicken, cook it in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. This allows for proper searing and browning, keeping it tender. I learned this the hard way with many early attempts! Also, ensure you cook it until just golden.

→ Can I make this Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, substitute low-sodium tamari for soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no changes there. I successfully adapted it for a friend with great results.

→ How long can I store leftover Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken?

You can store leftover Cashew Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I always make extra for lunch! Reheat gently to maintain the best texture and prevent drying out. Discard if it has any off smells.

→ Can I freeze this Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken for later?

Freezing cooked cashew chicken can alter the texture of the chicken and cashews, making them less appealing. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled dish. However, you can prep the sauce and chop veggies ahead for quick assembly.