Cashew chicken is a skillet stir-fry of diced chicken, roasted cashews, bell pepper and onion in a sauce made from soy sauce and hoisin. The chicken is coated in cornstarch and seared first, then everything is tossed together in the thickened sauce. Serve it hot over rice or noodles.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Cashew Chicken

To make this tasty dish, you will need:

Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb, diced): Use your preferred cut of chicken.
Cashews (1/2 cup): Roasted and unsalted.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Opt for low-sodium for a healthier option.
Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a robust aroma.
Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a warm and spicy undertone.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): For coating the chicken and thickening the sauce.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking the chicken.
Green bell pepper (1, diced): Adds crunch and color.
Onion (1, diced): Enhances the flavor profile.
Green onions (2, sliced): For garnish.
Rice or noodles (optional): To serve as a base.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Prepare the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Sear the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, then set aside.
Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper until slightly softened.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and 1 tablespoon of corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
Combine and cook: Return the chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce over it, and stir in the cashews. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle green onions over the dish. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutritional Information of Cashew Chicken

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (without rice or noodles):

Calories: 350-400
Protein: 30-35 grams
Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
Fat: 15-18 grams
Sodium: 500-700 mg (varies with soy sauce)
Sugar: 6-8 grams (from hoisin sauce)

Tips for Customizing Your Cashew Chicken

Add veggies: Incorporate broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrients.
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Go gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free hoisin sauce.
Swap proteins: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for variety.

Try it today and enjoy the delightful combination of chicken and cashews!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cashews should I use?

Roasted, unsalted cashews work best. Stir them in with the chicken and sauce at the end of cooking.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Sear it until golden brown and cooked through. Chicken is safe once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make cashew chicken gluten-free?

Yes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and choose a gluten-free hoisin sauce.

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Cashew Chicken Recipe and Its Nutritional Information