Description
How to make easy authentic cashew chicken with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and savory sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken & Main Structure:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup unsalted roasted cashews
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
- Savory Sauce & Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- Seasoning & Sauté:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., vegetable, canola), divided
- Finishing Touches:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 green onions (scallions), sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Cook chicken in a single layer to ensure perfect searing and tenderness, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
Store leftover cashew chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain texture.
Oyster sauce is an excellent substitute for hoisin sauce, providing a similar savory depth to the dish.
Serve immediately over fluffy steamed rice, garnished with fresh green onions for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Whisk the sauce and chop vegetables up to 24 hours ahead for a faster, stress-free cooking experience.
**Allergy Information:** Tree Nuts, Soy, Gluten, Sesame