Cashew Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
trimmed of excess fat and cut into small bite sized pieces
- 2 tsp hoisin sauce
- 1 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- more or less, to taste2 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- more or less, to taste1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 green onions
sliced
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
fresh or frozen
- more or less, to taste3/4 cup whole roasted cashews
- sesame seeds
- additional sliced green onions
Directions
- 1
To a mixing bowl, add chicken pieces, hoisin sauce and 1 Tbsp of the soy sauce. Stir together and let sit while you prep other ingredients.
- 2
In another small mixing bowl, add sauce ingredients (soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, sugar and vinegar), and whisk well to combine. Set aside.
- 3
In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp of the vegetable oil over MED HIGH heat. Add red pepper flakes to the oil. Drain excess marinade from chicken.
- 4
Return chicken to skillet and add cashews.
- 5
Serve over white rice, sprinkled with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Cashew Chicken
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Based on 21 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the irresistible combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a glossy, savory sauce? This Cashew Chicken recipe delivers authentic, comforting flavors right to your dinner table in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight solution.
This recipe shines by developing a rich, sticky sauce that perfectly clings to every ingredient, ensuring a burst of flavor in each bite. We use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, known for staying incredibly tender and juicy, which creates a delightful contrast with the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli and the roasted cashews. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and satisfying.
You're in for a treat: succulent, bite-sized chicken pieces that have been stir-fried to perfection, then generously coated in a shimmering, deep amber sauce. The sauce itself offers a complex profile—savory and slightly sweet with a subtle tang from rice vinegar, complemented by a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes. Crisp-tender broccoli florets add essential texture and a fresh counterpoint, while the whole roasted cashews provide that signature nutty depth and satisfying crunch. This dish is designed for approachability, promising a truly flavorful and balanced experience that rivals your favorite takeout, all achieved with straightforward cooking. The thoughtful inclusion of reduced sodium soy sauce helps balance the overall seasoning beautifully.
This Cashew Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile. While broccoli is a fantastic choice, feel free to substitute with other quick-cooking vegetables like snow peas, bell peppers, or sliced carrots to suit your preference or what you have on hand. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes, or reduce them for a milder version. The granulated sugar is also adjustable; taste the sauce before reducing to find your ideal sweet-savory balance.
For a complete and comforting meal, serve this Cashew Chicken immediately over a bed of fluffy steamed white or brown rice. Garnish generously with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an appealing presentation and added freshness. It’s a fantastic dish for a cozy family dinner, casual entertaining, or when you simply need a quick, flavorful meal after a busy day.