Cashew Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

The aroma of sautéed garlic and ginger wafts through the air as you prepare to dive into this delectable cashew chicken recipe. Picture tender pieces of chicken mingling with crunchy cashews and colorful veggies, creating an irresistible dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s comfort on a plate. I vividly remember the first time I made this for friends during a casual gathering. Their eyes lit up like it was a holiday feast. Little did they know, I was just trying to impress them while simultaneously avoiding dishes!

I once made this for my family, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about how it tasted just like takeout—only better!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1 pound is perfect; cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Raw Cashews: Use unsalted for a balanced flavor; they add crunch and richness to the dish.
• Bell Peppers: Pick any color; they add sweetness and visual appeal while providing essential vitamins.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds texture and nutrients; make sure they’re bright green for best results.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor profile; use at least three cloves for maximum impact.
• Fresh Ginger: A tablespoon of grated ginger adds warmth and depth; always use fresh for the best flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while enhancing the umami flavor of your dish.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to enrich the sauce without overwhelming saltiness; about 1 cup will do.
• Cornstarch: A tablespoon helps thicken the sauce beautifully; mix it with water before adding to avoid lumps.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose a high smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil for optimal results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for some culinary magic as we bring this dish to life!

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice your colorful bell peppers into strips and cut broccoli florets into manageable sizes. This makes everything easier later.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat up two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant—about 30 seconds should do.

Cook Chicken: Add your chopped chicken to the skillet. Stir frequently until golden brown and cooked through—this usually takes around 5-7 minutes. You want that nice sear!

Add Vegetables: Toss in your bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry everything together until veggies are vibrant yet still crisp—around 3-4 minutes works perfectly here.

Create Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch solution (mix cornstarch with water), and any extra spices you fancy. Pour over your stir-fry mixture.

Finish Cooking: Allow everything to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly—about 2-3 more minutes should do it! Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

Now you’re all set! Serve your gorgeous cashew chicken over steamed rice or quinoa—and don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cashews on top for that added crunch!

Enjoy every bite of your homemade masterpiece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then sauté it until golden before adding veggies and sauce for optimal taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cashews for peanuts or add bell peppers for extra crunch. Experimenting keeps things exciting!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to maintain freshness.

My friends always rave about this cashew chicken recipe whenever I make it; it’s their go-to comfort food now!

FAQ

What can I substitute for cashews in this recipe?

You can use peanuts or sunflower seeds as tasty alternatives for a different crunch.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to amp up the heat.

How do I ensure my chicken stays tender?

Marinate the chicken properly and avoid overcooking it to keep it juicy and tender.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Whip up this vibrant cashew chicken recipe in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and colorful veggies come together in a delightful stir-fry that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by cutting the chicken, bell peppers, and broccoli.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add chicken to the skillet; cook until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in bell peppers and broccoli; stir-fry until vibrant but crisp (approximately 3-4 minutes).
5. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch mixture. Pour over the stir-fry.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes). Serve hot over steamed rice or quinoa.

Notes

• For added crunch, feel free to swap out cashews for peanuts.
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg