Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with the rich, nutty crunch of cashews and a luscious, flavorful sauce, then this Easy Cashew Chicken recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, a little tangy, and just enough spice to keep things exciting. Plus, it’s super approachable—perfect for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to share with friends and family. The best part? It comes together quickly, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss or the long wait.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Easy Cashew Chicken just right comes down to a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from building the perfect sauce balance to adding texture and vibrant color that makes the dish sing off the plate.

• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: This sweet and savory sauce is the star that brings depth to the flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon chili garlic sauce: Adds a gentle kick and a hint of garlicky heat to awaken your taste buds.
• 3 tablespoons chicken broth or water: Helps create a smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully without overpowering it.
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces): Thighs stay juicy and tender, perfect for a comforting bite every time.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout the cooking process.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
• 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil: Great for a high-heat sauté that keeps the chicken golden without sticking.
• 1 small onion (cut into 1-inch pieces): Provides a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
• 4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a mild tang that lifts the whole dish.
• 6 green onions (diced): Fresh green notes that add color and a slight crunch.
• ¾ cup unsalted roasted cashews: The crunchy, buttery element that makes this Easy Cashew Chicken unforgettable.
• Cooked white rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up the wonderful sauce.

How to Make Easy Cashew Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

Start by whisking together the hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and chicken broth in a small bowl. This blend creates the flavor-packed sauce that will coat your chicken later. Setting this aside early means everything flows smoothly once you begin cooking.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

Transfer your cut chicken thighs to a medium bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the chicken and toss well to coat each piece. This step ensures the chicken develops a lovely golden crust and the sauce thickens just right.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring often, until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The cornstarch coating helps lock in juices while creating that irresistible texture.

Step 4: Add Onion and Garlic

Throw in the onion pieces and keep stirring for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the onions soften and become translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic, cooking for about one minute more until fragrant but not burned. These aromatics build the foundation for the sauce’s mouthwatering flavor.

Step 5: Stir in Rice Vinegar and Sauce

Add the rice vinegar and stir for a minute to infuse a light tang into the dish. Reduce your heat to medium-low, pour in the prepared hoisin sauce mixture, and stir well. Let it cook for a few minutes so everything melds together into a glossy, irresistible sauce. Then remove your pan from the heat.

Step 6: Add Cashews and Green Onions

Finally, stir in the crunchy roasted cashews and fresh diced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This final touch adds texture, freshness, and an extra dimension of flavor that’s signature to Easy Cashew Chicken.

How to Serve Easy Cashew Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra cashews and fresh green onion slices on top just before serving to add visual appeal and enhance texture contrast. For a pop of color and freshness, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime can brighten up each bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

Easy Cashew Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white rice, which soaks up every drop of that flavorful sauce. If you want to add more veggies, try steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even a quick cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken and sauce over a colorful bed of fried rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Another fun option is to turn it into a lettuce wrap filling, letting diners create their own crunchy, savory bites. So many ways to enjoy this versatile crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Easy Cashew Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal that still tastes fresh and exciting.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, freeze your cooked Easy Cashew Chicken in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months, so you always have a quick, delicious dinner option in your freezer stash.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken tender and prevent the cashews from losing their crunch. You can also microwave on medium power but stir once or twice to heat evenly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine but keep in mind thighs have a bit more fat which helps keep the dish juicy and tender. If using breast, be careful not to overcook it.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap hoisin sauce for a gluten-free variety and use tamari instead of soy-based sauces if any are included. Also, check that your cornstarch is gluten-free, which it typically is.

How spicy is this Easy Cashew Chicken?

The chili garlic sauce adds a mild spice that can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount or omit it entirely.

Can I substitute cashews with another nut?

You can, but cashews give the best texture and flavor pairing in this recipe. Almonds or peanuts can work, but they will change the dish’s character slightly.

What can I do if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

Hoisin sauce is a key flavor component, but in a pinch, you can mix soy sauce with a little honey, garlic powder, and a dash of five-spice powder as a homemade alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cashew Chicken is one of those dishes that feels both special and completely doable anytime you want a satisfying meal. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—because nothing beats the joy of savoring crispy, flavorful chicken coated in a rich sauce with those perfectly crunchy cashews. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your recipe rotation!

Print