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–+ servings
Cashew Chicken

Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken Better Than Takeout

This Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken is a quick and easy dish that brings the flavor of takeout home, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs or Breasts Juicy protein base; thighs are more tender.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Creates a crispy exterior.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil (canola or regular olive oil) For frying.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Garlic (minced) Adds savory depth.
  • 2 tablespoons Ginger (minced) Enhances the dish's fragrance.
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Forms the base for the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Offers umami flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Sweetens and thickens the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce Contributes sweet and savory flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar Adds acidity.
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Cashews (unsalted, roasted) Provide the signature crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions (sliced) Adds freshness.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • deep pan
  • Slotted Spoon

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cashew Chicken
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and rice wine vinegar until well combined.
  2. Take your chicken thighs or breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and toss with cornstarch until each piece is coated.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Remove the chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. In the same pan, add oil and stir-fry minced garlic, ginger, and roasted cashews for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add the fried chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat with sauce, and stir in green onions.
  8. Remove from heat and serve the Cashew Chicken hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best experience, serve your Cashew Chicken right after finishing to avoid sogginess.

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