Speedy Sesame Cashew Chicken

Easy Cashew Chicken – a sensational homemade dish that effortlessly rivals your favorite takeout! Featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy cashews all coated in an irresistibly savory-sweet sauce, this recipe is quick, straightforward, and bursting with flavor.

If you’re a devoted fan of our
Quick and Easy Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls,
then prepare to discover your new culinary obsession with this incredible Cashew Chicken recipe!

Chicken with cashews and broccoli in a white bowl, ready to be served.

Contents

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Cashew Chicken

Currently reigning as our absolute favorite Asian take-out fake-out dish, we simply can’t get enough of its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s an experience that delivers gourmet taste with homemade simplicity. Here’s why this Easy Cashew Chicken will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

Faster Than Takeout: Forget waiting for delivery or struggling with reservations. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, from prep to plate. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something special but are short on time.
Unbelievably Flavorful Sauce: The heart of this recipe lies in its extraordinary sauce. Crafted from a harmonious blend of sweet chili sauce, rich soy sauce, pungent garlic, fragrant ginger, and a touch of honey and rice vinegar, it’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes with a subtle kick. You’ll want to drizzle this versatile sauce over everything!
Healthier Homemade Alternative: When you cook at home, you control the ingredients. This recipe allows you to use fresh, high-quality components, less oil, and customize to your dietary preferences, making it a much lighter and more wholesome option than most restaurant versions.
Perfectly Balanced Textures: Enjoy the tender, succulent pieces of chicken, the delightful crunch of roasted cashews, and the fresh crispness of colorful vegetables like red bell pepper and edamame. Every bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures that keeps you coming back for more.
Family-Friendly Appeal: This dish is a winner with all ages, even the pickiest eaters. Its familiar Asian-inspired flavors and appealing presentation make it a meal everyone will look forward to.
Customizable to Your Liking: While we love our specific combination of vegetables, this recipe is incredibly flexible. Swap in your favorite greens, adjust the spice level, or even experiment with different proteins to make it uniquely yours.

This Cashew Chicken isn’t just beautiful and colorful; it’s a testament to how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be. It proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for convenience or health.

Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe - tender Asian chicken with crunchy cashews and vibrant vegetables in a delicious sauce!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cashew Chicken Masterpiece

Crafting this delectable Cashew Chicken requires a selection of fresh ingredients and pantry staples that come together to create a harmonious flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful notes and potential substitutions to customize your meal.

For the Chicken and Sauté:

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. A neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil would also work well.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this quick-cooking dish. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating. For a richer flavor, you could also opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season simply with salt and pepper to enhance their natural taste.
Cashews: The star of the show, providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. We always keep cashews on hand for snacking, and they are essential here. For an extra depth of flavor, you can lightly toast the cashews in a dry pan before adding them to the dish.
Edamame Beans: These add a lovely pop of green color, a subtle nutty undertone that complements the cashews, and a boost of protein. Frozen shelled edamame works perfectly and thaws quickly. If you don’t have edamame, you can simply omit them or substitute with other green vegetables like snap peas or green beans.
Red Bell Pepper: Provides a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Bell peppers are a staple in many Asian-inspired dishes. Feel free to use yellow or orange bell peppers, or a mix, for an even more colorful presentation. Chop them into similar-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

For the Irresistible Sauce:

This sauce is where the magic happens, balancing sweet, savory, and tangy elements to perfection.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the sauce. Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used as alternatives if you prefer.
Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides the essential umami and savory depth. Using reduced-sodium helps control the overall saltiness of the dish. For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari.
Rice Vinegar: Contributes a crucial tanginess that brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice can be excellent substitutes, offering a similar acidic component.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for an aromatic base and robust flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
Sweet Chili Sauce: A favorite Asian kitchen staple, this sauce delivers a fantastic blend of sweet and mild heat. It’s essential for that authentic takeout flavor. Look for it in the international aisle of your grocery store.
Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy note. Freshly grated ginger would also be fantastic if you have it on hand.
Cornstarch: This is our secret weapon for achieving that perfectly thick, glossy sauce. It creates a smooth consistency that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

Serving Suggestion:

Broccoli: Steamed broccoli is our go-to vegetable side for this dish. Its slight bitterness and firm texture provide a wonderful contrast to the rich sauce. It also contributes to a truly colorful and nutrient-packed bowl. You’ll need about 2.5 cups, steamed until tender-crisp.
Rice: While optional, serving this over fluffy white or brown rice is classic. For a grain-free alternative, consider cauliflower rice.

With these ingredients prepped and ready, you’re just moments away from a homemade meal that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Serving Your Delicious Cashew Chicken

This Easy Cashew Chicken is a complete meal in itself, vibrant with colors and rich with flavors. However, pairing it with the right side dish can elevate your dining experience.

Classic Rice Pairing: The most traditional way to serve Cashew Chicken is over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice perfectly absorbs the delicious sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
Grain-Free Option: If you’re looking to keep it grain-free, I highly recommend trying our
Cauliflower Rice
recipe. It’s an excellent low-carb alternative that still provides a neutral base for the sauce. You won’t even miss the traditional rice!
Versatile Vegetable Sides: While steamed broccoli is our personal favorite for its vibrant color and tender-crisp texture, feel free to choose any veggies you like to add to the chicken. Other fantastic options include:
- Steamed or stir-fried snap peas
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Thinly sliced carrots
- Blanched green beans
- Water chestnuts for extra crunch
- Zucchini or bok choy
Noodle Bowls: For a heartier meal, serve your Cashew Chicken over a bed of stir-fried noodles like lo mein, ramen, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free twist.
Garnishes for Flare: A sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or even a few extra cashews added right before serving can enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish promises a colorful and incredibly satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe - better than takeout Asian chicken with cashew and vegetables! Quick, easy and flavorful!

Tips for Perfect Cashew Chicken Every Time

Achieving takeout-quality Cashew Chicken at home is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dish is flavorful, perfectly cooked, and utterly delicious.

Mise en Place is Key: Before you even turn on the stove, chop all your vegetables, cut your chicken, measure out your cashews, and whisk together your sauce ingredients. Asian stir-fries cook very quickly, so having everything prepped and within arm’s reach (mise en place) is crucial for success.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid putting too many pieces into the skillet at once. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, steaming the chicken instead of browning it. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to get a nice sear and even cooking. This also applies when adding the vegetables; give them space to cook efficiently.
Achieve Perfect Chicken Tenderness: Chicken breasts cook quickly. Once they are no longer pink inside and cooked through (around 165°F or 74°C internal temperature), remove them from the heat to prevent them from becoming dry and tough.
Thicken the Sauce Properly: The cornstarch in the sauce mixture is essential for thickening. Ensure you whisk it thoroughly into the cold liquids before adding to the hot pan to prevent lumps. Once added to the chicken and vegetables, let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth; if too thin, mix a tiny bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.
Customize Spice Levels: The sweet chili sauce provides a mild heat, but you can easily adjust it. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or a dash of Sriracha to the finished dish. For less heat, reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce.
Toasting Cashews for Enhanced Flavor: While optional, lightly toasting your cashews in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the dish can bring out their nutty flavor even more. Just be careful not to burn them!
Choose Your Vinegar Wisely: Rice vinegar offers a mild, slightly sweet tang. Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar work well as substitutes, each imparting a slightly different character to the sauce. Feel free to experiment based on what you have and what you prefer.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic Boost: While ground ginger works, using freshly grated ginger and minced garlic truly elevates the aroma and flavor of the sauce. If time allows, go fresh!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cashew chicken that’s not just easy, but truly exceptional.

Meal Prep & Storage

This Cashew Chicken recipe is fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade Asian cuisine throughout the week.

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly upon cooling, but it will loosen up when reheated.
Freezing: This dish freezes remarkably well. Allow the Cashew Chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the cashews and fresh broccoli, adding those in after reheating to maintain their texture.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to thin the sauce if it’s too thick. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have questions about making the perfect Easy Cashew Chicken? We’ve got answers!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and often result in a more tender, juicier chicken due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Ensure all other ingredients, like sweet chili sauce, are also certified gluten-free.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?: Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe. Replace the chicken with firm tofu (pressed and cubed), tempeh, or a mix of extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Ensure your sweet chili sauce and honey (if using) are vegan-friendly, or substitute honey with maple syrup.
What if my sauce isn’t thickening?: The most common reason for a thin sauce is not enough cooking time or insufficient cornstarch. Ensure you’ve allowed the sauce to simmer for the full 3-4 minutes. If it’s still too thin, mix an additional ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables?: Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add or substitute with other quick-cooking vegetables like snow peas, sliced carrots, green beans, or sliced mushrooms. Add them along with the bell pepper to ensure they cook to a tender-crisp texture.
Do I need to toast the cashews?: Toasting cashews is optional but highly recommended. It deepens their flavor and enhances their crunch. If you skip this step, they’ll still be delicious, but a quick toast adds an extra layer of gourmet flavor.

Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken

Author:

Anna

Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken is better than takeout! Asian chicken with cashews and vegetables in one delicious sauce! Quick, easy, and flavorful!

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time

15

Cook Time

15

Total Time

30

Course
Main Dish

Cuisine
Asian

Servings

4
people

Calories

300
kcal

Ingredients

1
tablespoon
olive oil
1 and ½
pounds
skinless bone-less chicken breast
cut into bite-size pieces
½
teaspoon
salt
¼
teaspoon
black pepper
¾
cup
cashews
½
cup
edamame beans
1
medium red bell pepper
chopped
¼
cup
honey
¼
cup
reduced-sodium soy sauce
2
tablespoons
rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
or lemon juice
2
cloves garlic
minced
2
tablespoons
sweet chili sauce
½
tsp
ground ginger
1
tablespoon
cornstarch
2 and ½
cups
broccoli
steamed

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or alternative), minced garlic, sweet chili sauce, ground ginger, and cornstarch until thoroughly combined and smooth. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
Return the skillet to medium-high heat (add a tiny bit more oil if needed). Add the chopped red bell pepper and cashews to the pan. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the bell pepper begins to soften slightly and the cashews are lightly toasted. Stir in the edamame beans and cook for another minute.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk again (as cornstarch can settle) and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to bubble and thickens to a glossy consistency, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately once thickened.
Serve your delicious Cashew Chicken immediately with freshly steamed broccoli and a side of rice or cauliflower rice, if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flair.

Notes

I tested this recipe with both lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, and both work great as substitutes for rice vinegar. Use what you have on hand for convenience.
You can easily skip the edamame beans if you don’t have them or prefer another vegetable. Feel free to substitute them with other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, green beans, or sliced carrots.
If you’re missing rice or want to turn this dish into a rice bowl but keep it grain-free, consider serving it over cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

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Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken, you’re sure to love these other Asian-inspired dishes from our kitchen:

Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls: Another lightning-fast and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Sticky Asian Chicken: Irresistibly glazed chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that’s perfect over rice.
Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken: A classic takeout favorite, made healthier and faster at home.
Firecracker Chicken: For those who love a bit of a kick, this fiery and delicious chicken dish won’t disappoint.

If you make this incredible Easy Cashew Chicken, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your culinary creation and leave a comment! Happy cooking!