Cashew Chicken – Even Better Than Takeout!
Craving a flavorful, crispy chicken tossed in a rich, sweet-savory sauce with crunchy cashews? This homemade Cashew Chicken is packed with restaurant-quality flavors and is surprisingly easy to make! Juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious sauce come together for the perfect stir-fry.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup cornstarch
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp chicken broth
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
For the Stir-Fry:
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup roasted, salted cashews
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the coated chicken and cook until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add bell peppers and onions, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
Add minced garlic and ginger (if using), stirring for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Bring It All Together:
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Stir in cashews and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a takeout-style meal at home!
💡 Pro Tip: Want a lighter version? Use air-fried chicken instead of pan-frying for a healthier twist!