If you’re craving the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want a healthier, homemade version, this Cashew Chicken recipe is the answer. Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory-sweet sauce come together in this easy-to-make dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and tastes even better than takeout!

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe, share tips for making it extra special, and explore why this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves quick, flavorful meals. Let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

2. Healthier Than Takeout: Made with fresh ingredients and no added preservatives.

3. Flavor-Packed: A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.

4. Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite side.

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Ingredients for Cashew Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

• ½ cup chicken broth or water

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

• ½ cup roasted cashews

• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey (or brown sugar), chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

2. Stir-fry the red bell pepper and broccoli for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.

3. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce.

2. Add the roasted cashews and stir everything together.

3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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Tips for the Best Cashew Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables make a big difference in flavor.

2. Toast the Cashews: Lightly toast the cashews in a dry skillet for extra crunch and flavor.

3. Adjust the Sauce: Add a splash of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha for a spicy kick.

4. Make It Ahead: Prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quicker meal.

5. Double the Recipe: This dish reheats well, so make extra for leftovers or meal prep.

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Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a classic pairing.

• With Noodles: Toss with lo mein or rice noodles for a fun twist.

• As a Bowl: Add extra veggies like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a hearty bowl.

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Why This Recipe is AdSense-Friendly

This recipe is perfect for AdSense optimization because:

• High Engagement: Quick and flavorful recipes keep readers on the page longer, increasing ad impressions.

• Shareability: Easy, homemade versions of takeout favorites are highly shareable on social media, driving more traffic to your site.

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Final Thoughts

This Cashew Chicken recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to takeout that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and savory-sweet sauce, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

So, grab your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s better than takeout. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!