Cashew Chicken Recipe
If you love takeout-style dinners but want something fresher and more flavorful, this homemade cashew chicken is the perfect choice. It’s quick, easy, and made with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
This recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a rich, glossy stir-fry sauce that’s perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors. The sauce lightly coats every piece of chicken, making each bite satisfying and delicious. Best of all, this cashew chicken comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner.
Once you try this homemade version, you may never order takeout again.
Why You’ll Love This Cashew Chicken
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Sweet, savory, and slightly sticky sauce
- Better flavor than takeout
- Made with simple ingredients
- Family-friendly and filling
This dish offers the perfect mix of textures and flavors — juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh green onions all tossed in a silky stir-fry sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cashew chicken uses simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
For the Chicken
- Chicken breast: Cut into bite-size pieces. You can also use chicken thighs.
- Soy sauce: Used to marinate the chicken and build flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps coat the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken.
For the Sauce
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and savory flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: A sweet and spiced sauce that enhances the dish.
- Chili garlic sauce: Adds gentle heat and tang.
- Sugar or honey: Balances the savory flavors.
- Chicken stock: Gives the sauce a rich base.
- Ginger: Use fresh or powdered for warm flavor.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.
- Salted cashews: Add crunch and saltiness.
Garnish & Serving
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Red chili flakes (optional)
- Jasmine rice for serving
What Is Chili Garlic Sauce?
Chili garlic sauce is made from chilies, garlic, salt, and vinegar. It adds a mild spicy kick and tangy flavor to the sauce.
If you can’t find chili garlic sauce, you can substitute it with:
- Red chili flakes
- Fresh diced garlic
- A small splash of vinegar
This simple swap still gives the dish great flavor.
Best Rice to Serve with Cashew Chicken
Jasmine rice pairs perfectly with cashew chicken. Its light fragrance and soft texture absorb the sauce beautifully and balance the savory flavors.
You can also serve this dish with steamed white rice if jasmine rice isn’t available.
How to Make Cashew Chicken at Home
This recipe is quick and beginner-friendly. Follow these easy steps for perfect results.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place in a zip-top bag.
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour over the chicken and toss to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
Add the chicken and cook for about 7–8 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Chili garlic sauce
- Sugar
- Chicken stock
- Ginger
- Cornstarch
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir often.
As the sauce thickens, it will coat the chicken evenly.
Fold in the cashews and cook briefly.
Step 5: Serve
Place warm rice in bowls and top with cashew chicken.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Cut chicken evenly for quick, even cooking.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Stir the sauce continuously to prevent lumps.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar if desired.
- Add chili flakes for extra heat if you like spice.
Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place them in a zip-top bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth and fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and toss well to coat evenly.
- Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes, or until fully cooked through and lightly golden.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together in a bowl:
- Remaining soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Chili garlic sauce
- Sugar
- Chicken stock
- Ginger
- Cornstarch
- Mix until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir frequently.
- As the sauce simmers, it will thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
- Gently fold in the cashews.
- Spoon warm rice into bowls and top with the cashew chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes before serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy. Use the same cooking method.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar slightly. Hoisin sauce already contains some sweetness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cut the chicken in advance. Cook fresh for best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat from chili garlic sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This homemade cashew chicken is a simple, flavorful dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results at home. With its rich stir-fry sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy cashews, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Quick to prepare and full of balanced flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a comforting homemade takeout-style dish.
