Cashew Chicken
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 to 6 servings
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Calories
412 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cashew Chicken
Description
This recipe starts by coating chicken breast pieces in a mixture of dry sherry, minced fresh ginger, cornstarch, and salt, then chilling for 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat. A skillet is heated, and the chicken is cooked in batches until golden brown and fully cooked. The cashews, garlic, and the white parts of green onions are briefly cooked in the remaining oil to soften the garlic.
The sauce, made by whisking chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch, is added to the skillet with the chicken and aromatics. It cooks quickly until thickened, coating the chicken and cashews in a glossy glaze. The green parts of the green onions are added last for freshness.
Cashew Chicken balances savory, tangy, and lightly sweet flavors with a texture contrast between tender chicken and crisp cashews. It’s commonly served over rice or noodles and pairs well with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
Substituting boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts is possible and adds moisture. Adding fruits like pineapple or mango introduces sweetness, and red pepper flakes can add heat. A slow cooker variation involves browning the chicken partially before slow cooking with sauce and cashews. Leftovers keep up to four days refrigerated and reheat easily.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces, boneless skinless
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry or cooking wine, or omit
- 2 teaspoons ginger fresh, minced
- 3½ teaspoons cornstarch divided
- salt coarse
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil divided, 2 teaspoons
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅔ cup cashews unsalted
- 2 green onions white and green parts divided and thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the sherry, ginger, and 1½ teaspoons cornstarch; season with coarse salt. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add half of the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the skillet and cook the remaining chicken (reduce the heat if the chicken is over-browning). Transfer to the covered plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of vegetable oil. Add the cashews, garlic, and green onion whites. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic begins to soften, about 30 seconds. Whisk the sauce again to combine and add to the skillet along with the chicken. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 30 seconds. Serve over rice or noodles and top with the green onion greens.
Notes
- Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
- Serve over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
- Add pineapple, mango, apricots, or orange for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Add red pepper flakes to introduce spiciness, if desired.
- Slow cooker option: brown chicken partially, then cook with sauce and cashews on low for 3-4 hours.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat on stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4to 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 412 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 412kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 706mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 837mg | 18% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 60IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 3.6mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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