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+ servings
close up, overhead image of cashew chicken and rice on white plate

Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Skip the takeout and make this easy Cashew Chicken at home! This simple stir-fry recipe is loaded with tender chicken, peppers, onions, and toasted cashews! 
5 from 1 rating

Ingredients
 

  • 1 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or other neutral oil
  • 1 medium onion cut into 1” chunks
  • 1 green pepper cut into 1” cubes
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions white part of scallion and green part separated, about 4 scallions
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, be sure to choose a gluten free option if on a GF diet
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted & unroasted whole cashews

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the cashews on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

For the Chicken

  • In a large bowl mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Place chicken cubes into the cornstarch-spice bowl and toss until well coated.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet in an even layer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to become golden brown and crispy. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to fully cook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan with a slotted spoon, leaving behind any oil in the pan, and place into a bowl and set aside.

Add the Sauce

  • Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil with onion and bell pepper and cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, mixing often. Once the veggies are somewhat cooked, add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the scallion, and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Whisk in brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, 1⁄4 cup water and add the cooked chicken, and bring the liquid to a simmer.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining cornstarch with water. Mix this cornstarch slurry into the pan. Mix everything together until the sauce thickens.
  • Turn off the heat and mix in the cashews. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • Serve over white rice, and garnish with the green parts of the scallion.
Serving: 1/4 of recipe, Calories: 586kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 47g, Fat: 32g, Cholesterol: 142mg, Sodium: 726mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 9.8g
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