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Delicious homemade Cashew Chicken with veggies and crunchy cashews in a savory sauce.

Cashew Chicken

A quick and simple stir-fry featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables, all coated in a glossy sauce and topped with crunchy cashews.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces Thighs are juicier, breasts work well if careful not to overcook.
  • 1 cup cashews, roasted and unsalted Toast if raw for better flavor.
  • 2 cups bell peppers, sliced into chunks Any color of your choice.
  • 4 stalks green onions, diced Added for fresh flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best, can use jarred.
  • 1 inch ginger, minced Fresh is preferred, jarred works.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce, low sodium Helps control the salt level.
  • 2 tbsp chicken broth or water Just a splash to loosen the sauce.
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar For balance, not sweetness.
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice To brighten the flavor.
  • 1-2 tbsp cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp oil (e.g., avocado, canola) For cooking.
  • optional: red pepper flakes or chili paste For added heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
  2. In another bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the oil.
  2. Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer. Let it sit for a minute before stirring to allow browning.
  3. Cook until mostly done, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Add the bell peppers to the skillet, adding more oil if necessary. Cook until slightly crisp.
  5. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
  6. Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add the cashews and green onions last to retain their crunch.
  8. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.

Notes

To enhance the flavor, add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a veggie side.