Description

This easy Cashew Chicken recipe offers a quick and delicious meal with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory natural sauce balanced with sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy nights and adaptable for various dietary preferences while using simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Nuts

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cashews

Flavorings and Sauces

2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger root
3 tablespoons soy sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar (natural)

Vegetables and Garnish

2 green onions, chopped

Others

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry. Lightly coat with cornstarch to help achieve a crisp outer layer when stir-fried.
Making the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (natural), minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a balanced sauce.
Cooking the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Toasting the Cashews: Using the same pan, toast cashews for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
Combining Everything: Return chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency coating the chicken and cashews. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.

Notes

Ensure the pan is hot before adding chicken for a perfect sear.
Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
Toast cashews separately to maintain their crunch and enhance flavor.
Adjust sauce consistency with a splash of water if too thick or cook longer if too thin.
Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Serve with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Add red pepper flakes or fresh chilies to spice up the dish.
Substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs or shrimp for variety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: cashew chicken, quick dinner, stir-fry, easy recipe, gluten free, chicken recipe, nutty sauce