Craving a restaurant-quality Cashew Chicken dinner without the hassle? This easy recipe delivers delicious, savory results in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple ingredients and techniques to create a satisfying and flavorful meal the whole family will love. Let's dive in!
What are the main ingredients in cashew chicken?
The core ingredients for a classic cashew chicken recipe usually include boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cashews (obviously!), soy sauce, a touch of sweetness (like honey or brown sugar), garlic, ginger, and cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Many variations add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor. This recipe offers a flexible base, allowing you to customize it to your preferences and what you have on hand.
How do you make cashew chicken sauce?
The magic lies in the sauce! A perfectly balanced cashew chicken sauce is both savory and sweet, with a slightly tangy undertone. Our recipe uses a simple combination of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil for depth. The cornstarch slurry creates a luscious, slightly thickened sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and cashews. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ratios to find your perfect balance of sweet and savory!
How long does it take to make cashew chicken?
This recipe is designed for speed and convenience! From prep to plate, you can expect to have a delicious cashew chicken dinner ready in about 30 minutes. The chicken cooks quickly, the sauce comes together in a flash, and the whole dish is ready to enjoy in no time. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Is cashew chicken healthy?
Cashew chicken can be a part of a healthy diet, depending on how it’s prepared. This recipe uses lean chicken breast, providing a good source of protein. Cashews offer healthy fats and some vitamins and minerals. However, the sauce does contain soy sauce and sugar, so mindful portion control is key. You can also reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking. Adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers boosts the nutritional value even further.
What to serve with cashew chicken?
Cashew chicken is incredibly versatile! It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fluffy white rice, or even quinoa for a healthier alternative. Noodles, like egg noodles or rice noodles, also make a great accompaniment. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced and nutritious dinner.
Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe (30 Minutes)
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cashews, lightly toasted (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 cup broccoli florets
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast the cashews (optional): Toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant. Set aside.
- Stir-fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Thicken the sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Add cashews and vegetables (optional): Stir in the toasted cashews and any desired vegetables (bell peppers and broccoli). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve: Serve the cashew chicken hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade cashew chicken! Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference. Happy cooking!
