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Better Than Takeout Cashew Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 cup unsalted cashews

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

  • 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil works well)

For the Sauce:

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil

  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

For Marinating the Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon rice wine (optional)


Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and rice wine (if using). Toss well and let it sit for about 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

  2. Toast the Cashews:
    Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the cashews and toast them for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Set aside.

  3. Prepare the Sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chicken broth. In a separate cup, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set both aside.

  4. Cook the Chicken:
    Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

  5. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
    In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender.

  6. Combine Everything:
    Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the toasted cashews and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce starts to bubble.

  7. Thicken the Sauce:
    Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and veggies beautifully.

  8. Serve:
    Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!



Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1¼ cups (about one-fourth of the recipe)
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg