Do you love Chinese food, but don’t want to go out? This “better than take-out” Cashew Chicken Recipe is for you! It’s easy to make and so much better than anything you’ll find in a restaurant. Plus, it’s always a hit with friends and family.
Do you love getting takeout? When we lived in the city we definitely got takeout more often than we probably should have. Man, it was so good and I can’t say I don’t miss it.
But when we moved out of the city, getting takeout was far less convenient. So we went back to making our own. I had forgotten just how quick and delicious homemade takeout can be.
What’s great about this recipe is not only is it tasty. But you can literally make the whole thing – start to finish – in less time than it would take to call in an order and either go pick it up or have it delivered.
We are talking 20-30 minutes and you are enjoying this super simple and scrumptious dinner. I know you’ll love it as much as we do.
best homemade cashew chicken
Here are some commonly asked questions
What is cashew chicken?
Cashew chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is usually made with chicken cooked in a sauce made with cashews and spices. The sauce typically contains soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, among other ingredients. Cashew chicken can be served over rice or steamed vegetables.
What are the benefits of eating cashew chicken?
Cashew chicken is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to make at home. It’s also affordable and convenient to eat on the go. Cashew chicken is a great option for those who are looking for something quick and easy to eat.
What’s in a Cashew Chicken Recipe?
A cashew chicken recipe typically contains chicken, cashews, and a sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and garlic. Sometimes other ingredients like vegetables, noodles, or fruit are added as well.
What to serve with cashew chicken
There are so many recipes that we love to pair with this copycat chicken recipe. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken
What makes this recipe the best?
This recipe is healthy and flavorful, which makes it the perfect choice for a quick meal. The ingredients are all fresh, so you’re getting the best flavor possible.
And it’s easy to make- just toss everything in a pan and cook until everything is cooked through. You can even serve this dish with some rice or noodles if you want something extra filling!
Ingredients for Homemade Cashew Chicken
- cornstarch
- salt
- black pepper
- chicken breasts – boneless, skinless – cubed
- vegetable oil – or peanut, or canola oil
- sesame oil
- broccoli florets – fresh
- red bell pepper – seeded and sliced
- sweet onion – halved and sliced
- carrots – shredded
- garlic – minced
- cashews – unsalted
Sauce
- honey
- reduced-sodium soy sauce
- rice wine vinegar
- chili garlic sauce
What are some popular Cashew Chicken Recipes?
Some popular cashew chicken recipes include General Tso’s Cashew Chicken, Sesame Cashew Chicken, and Sweet and Sour Cashew Chicken.
Tips and Tricks for Cashew Chicken Success
There are a few key tips you can follow to make sure your cashew chicken turns out perfectly every time.
- First, be sure to review the recipe thoroughly before starting. This will help you avoid any mistakes that could ruin your dish.
- Second, use high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Poorly prepared ingredients can create an unpleasant taste or texture in your chicken dish, so make sure everything is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
- Try swapping out the chicken with chicken thighs.
- Make this even faster by using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
- Finally, cook it according to the recipe instructions.
How to Make Cashew Chicken at Home
- Mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, warm the oil and the sesame oil together until hot.
- Add the chicken and brown it on all sides.
- To the skillet, add the broccoli, pepper, onion, and carrots as well as the garlic. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until the vegetables are beginning to soften.
- Add the cashews to the mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili garlic sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the stirfry and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and it’s better than takeout! This easy cashew chicken is made with just a few simple ingredients and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. You can also serve it over rice or noodles for an extra filling dish.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time. The chicken can be cooked and then stored in the fridge for up to four days.
You can also cook the rice and store it in the fridge for up to two days.
The sauce can be stored in a refrigerator for up to two days or in a sealed container in the freezer for three months.
Make Ahead and Freezing Our Cashew Chicken Recipe
This cashew chicken recipe can be made ahead and frozen, so you have a quick and easy meal ready whenever you need it. Simply thaw in the fridge before reheating.
You can also make this recipe into a Meal Prep Bowl by dividing it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches!
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
You can use any type of vegetable in your cashew chicken recipe, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The longer the vegetables cook, the more tender they will become, so you may want to shorten or lengthen the cooking times as needed.
Different types of vegetables will also have different textures and flavors that can add complexity and depth to your dish. So experiment until you find a combination that tastes great!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. Not only are they less expensive than other types of meat and they also have a lot of flavor. They’re also versatile and can be cooked in many ways, so you’ll get the best results no matter what you do with them.
Can This Recipe Be Made With Other Meats?
No, this recipe is specifically for chicken. Other meats may not work as well in this dish. However, you might have success with turkey or maybe shrimp. I have not tried it with pork or beef.
What Other Veggies Would Go Good In This Thai Stir Fry?
This chicken stir fry is a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand. You can add whatever vegetables you like and they will all taste great together.
The list of suggested veggies includes carrots, peas, corn, mushrooms, and onions. These are all common ingredients found in most dishes like this one so they will all blend well together and create a delicious dish.
Products I love when making this Cashew Chicken…
This better than take-out cashew chicken recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand
OR maybe you have never made homemade Chinese food recipes before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it.
I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this savory dinner recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)
If you love this easy cashew chicken recipe, you’re going to love these other Asian-inspired recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
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Cashew Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless – cubed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – or peanut, or canola oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 12 ounces broccoli florets – fresh
- 1 red bell pepper – seeded and sliced
- 1 sweet onion – halved and sliced
- 1 cup carrots – shredded
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- ½ cup cashews unsalted
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
Instructions
- Mix the cornstarch, salt and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, warm the oil and the sesame oil together until hot.
- Add the chicken and brown on all sides.
- To the skillet, add the broccoli, pepper, onion, and carots as well as the garlic. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until the vegetables are beginning to soften.
- Add the cashews to the mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili garlic sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the stirfry and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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