Cashew Chicken
Tender chicken pieces and crunchy cashews tossed in a savory, slightly sweet garlic-ginger sauce. This classic Chinese-American takeout favorite is easy to make at home in under 30 minutes and tastes better than any delivery!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken (10 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, 1 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and white pepper.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated. This process, known as velveting, ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce (2 minutes)
- b.In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and 1 tsp cornstarch.
- c.Continue whisking until the sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast Cashews & Cook Chicken (8 minutes)
- b.Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of avocado oil.
- c.Add the raw cashews and toast, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant and light golden brown. Immediately remove from the wok and set aside to prevent burning.
- d.Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the hot wok. Carefully place the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in two batches if necessary).
- e.Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- f.Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-Fry Aromatics & Vegetables (4 minutes)
- b.In the same wok, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Finish (2 minutes)
- b.Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the prepared sauce a final quick stir, then pour it all over the contents of the wok.
- d.Cook, stirring continuously, for 1-2 minutes as the sauce bubbles and thickens to coat everything.
- e.Turn off the heat. Stir in the toasted cashews and most of the chopped scallions.
- f.Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with the remaining scallions.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cooking in batches ensures a beautiful golden-brown sear rather than steaming the meat.
- 3Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process!
- 4Toasting the cashews separately is the secret to keeping them crunchy in the final dish.
- 5For a more authentic flavor, use Shaoxing wine. If you can't find it, dry sherry is the best substitute.
- 6Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve the characteristic 'wok hei' flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce for a spicy kick.
VegetarianVegetarian
Substitute the chicken with 1 block (14 oz) of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Pan-fry the tofu until golden before proceeding with the recipe. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Bulk up the dish by adding 1 cup of broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or snow peas along with the bell peppers.
Nut FreeNut-Free
For a nut-free version, simply omit the cashews. The dish will still be delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Source of Healthy Fats
Cashews are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower the risk of heart disease.
Immunity Boosting Properties
The inclusion of fresh garlic and ginger provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, such as allicin and gingerol, which help support a robust immune system.
Frequently asked questions
This homemade version is significantly healthier than most takeout options. By using low-sodium soy sauce, controlling the amount of oil and sugar, and packing it with fresh vegetables, you get a balanced meal. It's a great source of lean protein from the chicken and healthy monounsaturated fats from the cashews.