Cashew Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

A plate of cashew chicken is like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. Imagine tender chunks of chicken nestled in a savory sauce, surrounded by crunchy vegetables and sprinkled with roasted cashews that add a satisfying crunch. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone asking if dinner is ready yet—it’s hard to resist that enticing combination of flavors.

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I remember the first time I made this dish; my kitchen transformed into a bustling restaurant as family members popped their heads in to see what magic was happening. They couldn’t wait to dig into this delicious meal! This is the kind of dish you whip up when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that’s perfect for any night!

I once made this dish for friends who insisted I should go into catering after tasting it—they devoured every last bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1 pound works well; make sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Cashews: Use roasted and unsalted ones for added crunch without overwhelming saltiness.
• Bell Peppers: Any color will do; they add sweetness and vibrant color to your dish.
• Green Onions: These bring freshness; chop them finely for the best flavor distribution.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick that complements the richness of the dish beautifully.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep it flavorful without being too salty.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce nicely; ensure it’s mixed well before adding it to avoid clumps.
• Sesame Oil: Just a splash gives your dish an authentic Asian touch and deep flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Use for frying; it has a high smoke point which is perfect for stir-frying.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients mentioned above. Chop the bell peppers and green onions while mincing garlic and ginger. This prep work ensures everything is at your fingertips when cooking begins.

Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding; cook until they turn golden brown and are no longer pink inside.

Add Aromatics and Veggies: Toss in minced garlic and ginger once the chicken is cooked through; sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then add bell peppers and green onions, stirring until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch.

Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce with cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring constantly—watch as it thickens and coats everything beautifully!

Add Cashews and Serve!: Finally, sprinkle in those lovely roasted cashews right before serving. Give everything one last toss so all ingredients mingle together delightfully on your plate.

Enjoy Your Creation!: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles if you’re feeling fancy! Don’t forget to take pictures before everyone dives in—this masterpiece deserves its moment in the spotlight!

Now you’re ready to impress family and friends with your homemade cashew chicken! It’s simple yet extraordinary—a meal that truly brings people together around the table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken while prepping your vegetables to save time. Cook your chicken first, then toss in the veggies and sauce for a flavorful finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have at home or add some spicy chili flakes for a kick. Personalizing this dish makes it uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain that delicious texture and flavor.

Cooking this dish reminds me of my best friend’s wedding where we decided to make a huge batch together. The laughter mixed with sizzling sounds turned an ordinary day into something unforgettable.

FAQ

Can I use other nuts in this cashew chicken recipe?

Yes, almonds or peanuts can be great substitutes if you prefer them.

Is there a vegetarian version of cashew chicken?

Absolutely! You can use tofu instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian option.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chili paste or fresh chopped peppers when cooking to turn up the heat!

Print

Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Enjoy a quick and delightful cashew chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to impress!

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by chopping bell peppers and green onions and mincing garlic and ginger.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add chicken in batches and cook until golden brown and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add bell peppers and green onions; cook until slightly softened.
5. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce with cornstarch until smooth. Pour into the skillet while stirring to thicken the sauce.
6. Finally, add roasted cashews just before serving. Toss everything together and enjoy hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

• Feel free to substitute vegetables based on availability or personal preference.
• For added spice, incorporate chili flakes or fresh chopped peppers during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 70mg