Quick Cashew Chicken That Beats Takeout Every Time

This Quick Cashew Chicken recipe features tender chicken and crunchy cashews in a flavor-packed sauce, making it better than takeout.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound Chicken thighs Juicy and tender; chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
1/4 cup Cornstarch For coating the chicken.
2 tablespoons Oil High smoke-point oil like canola or olive oil.

For the Aromatics

2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
1 teaspoon Ginger, minced Adds warmth and zest.
1 cup Cashews Provides crunch and nuttiness.

For the Sauce

1/4 cup Chicken stock Base for the sauce.
2 tablespoons Soy sauce Key for umami flavor.
2 tablespoons Honey Adds sweetness and thickens the sauce.
2 teaspoons Hoisin sauce Sweet and savory flavor.
1 teaspoon Additional cornstarch For thickening sauce.
1/2 teaspoon Rice wine vinegar Adds acidity to balance sweetness.

For the Finish

1/2 cup Green onions, sliced Add freshness.

Equipment

frying pan
Skillet
Medium Bowl
Slotted Spoon

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine vinegar. Set aside.
Coat Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated.
Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add garlic, ginger, and cashews. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Thicken Sauce: Pour prepared sauce into the skillet and simmer, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine: Add fried chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
Finish: Remove from heat and stir in green onions. Serve immediately over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, prepare all ingredients beforehand to work quickly during cooking. Fry in batches for optimal crispiness.

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