Homemade Cashew Chicken: Better Than Takeout

Skip the delivery and make your own Homemade Cashew Chicken that’s fresh, flavorful, and better than takeout! This dish combines tender chicken pieces with crunchy cashews, vibrant veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce that perfectly coats every bite. Quick to prepare and packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe is a game-changer for your weeknight meals.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil for stir-frying)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted cashews (lightly toasted, optional)
• 2-3 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken : In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix until well-coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce : In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken : Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables : In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the onion and red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly tender. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce : Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
6. Add Cashews and Garnish : Stir in the toasted cashews. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
7. Serve : Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Homemade Cashew Chicken is a perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and nutty cashews in a rich, flavorful sauce. Once you try this recipe, takeout will be a thing of the past. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to please every palate at your dinner table.