Description
This Cashew Chicken recipe is a delicious homemade version of the classic takeout favorite, featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup unsalted cashews
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add cashews and toast for 2–3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken and cashews to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over cooked white rice.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the sauce sweetness or saltiness by modifying the brown sugar or soy sauce levels.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg