The Best Homemade Cashew Chicken Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

There’s so much to love about making cashew chicken at home—it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and common ingredients, this dish comes together in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, veggies, or sauce to suit your taste—it’s your kitchen, your rules!
• Better Than Takeout: Skip the delivery and enjoy healthier, homemade cashew chicken that tastes just as good (if not better) than your favorite restaurant version.

Recipe

Cashew chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy cashews in a savory sauce. This homemade version is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Stir-fry the bell pepper, garlic, and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the cashews and toss to coat. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Notes:

• For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce if unavailable.

Equipment:

• Large pan or wok
• Mixing bowl

Time:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: Chinese

Serving: 4

Nutrition

Cashew chicken is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade cashew chicken with steamed white rice because it soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. A fresh vegetable stir-fry adds a nice crunch and balances the meal with its colorful, healthy vibe. It’s a combo that makes the dish feel complete without much extra effort.

Steamed White Rice

When you’re serving homemade cashew chicken, steamed white rice is the perfect side—it’s simple, fluffy, and soaks up all that delicious sauce. I love how it balances the bold flavors without overpowering them. Just rinse the rice first to remove excess starch, then cook it with a pinch of salt for extra flavor. The key is getting that light, tender texture, so don’t skip the lid while it steams! Trust me, it’s worth the wait. Pairing it with cashew chicken feels like a match made in heaven, and it’s so easy, even on busy nights. You’ll love how they complement each other.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

A colorful vegetable stir-fry is just what you need to round out your cashew chicken dinner—it’s quick, fresh, and packed with crunch. I love tossing broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots into a hot skillet with a splash of sesame oil. The veggies stay crisp, soaking up flavors from garlic, ginger, and a drizzle of soy sauce. Sometimes I add mushrooms or zucchini for extra variety. It’s a healthy side that complements the richness of the cashew chicken perfectly. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t add it to your meal plan sooner!

About The Author

younes

See author's posts