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+ servings
Cashew Chicken

Delicious Cashew Chicken for a Quick Weeknight Delight

This Easy Cashew Chicken serves homemade comfort with crunchy cashews and a flavorful sauce, perfect for satisfying weeknight cravings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Substitute chicken breasts for a leaner option
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Creates a crispy coating on the chicken
  • 3 tablespoons Oil Opt for canola or regular olive oil
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Stock Base of the sauce for depth and moisture
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Use low-sodium if watching sodium intake
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Maple syrup can be a good alternative for a vegan option
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce Provides a sweet and spicy flavor profile
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar
For the Aromatics
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh garlic recommended for best flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Minced, fresh ginger is ideal
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Sliced, can substitute with chives if unavailable
For Crunch
  • 1 cup Unsalted Roasted Cashews Can substitute with other nuts if preferred

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine vinegar. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Sauté Aromatics and Cashews: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, ginger, and cashews until fragrant.
  5. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, increasing heat to medium-high, and cook until bubbling and thickened.
  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the chicken back to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
  7. Finish with Green Onions: Stir in sliced green onions and allow to heat through before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh garlic and ginger. Avoid overcrowding when frying chicken to maintain crispiness.

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