The soft crunch of roasted cashews paired with tender, juicy chicken and crisp bell peppers brings this Chinese-inspired stir-fry to life in every bite. A rich, garlicky sauce binds it all together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this Cashew Chicken is fast, flexible, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether served with fluffy jasmine rice or a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter option, it delivers restaurant-quality taste without the grease or wait time.
Full Recipe:
For the Sauce:
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
3 tbsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light)
-
1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin/dry sherry)
-
3 tbsp oyster sauce
-
2 tsp sesame oil
-
Dash of white pepper (or black pepper)
For the Stir Fry:
-
500g (1 lb) chicken thigh, skinless and boneless, cut into 1” cubes
-
2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1/2 onion, chopped into 3/4” pieces
-
1 green bell pepper, chopped into 0.8” pieces
-
6 tbsp water
-
3/4 cup roasted, unsalted cashews
Directions:
-
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and soy sauce until smooth. Stir in the remaining sauce ingredients and combine well.
-
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce and mix it with the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
-
Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Sauté garlic and onion for 1 minute.
-
Add the marinated chicken and cook for 2 minutes, then add the green bell pepper and stir-fry for another minute.
-
Pour in the remaining sauce and 6 tablespoons of water. Bring to a simmer and stir for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
-
Stir in the roasted cashews, mix well, and remove from heat.
-
Serve immediately with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 559 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Delicious Story Behind Cashew Chicken
Cashew Chicken is a classic dish loved across continents for its savory sauce, crunchy nuts, and tender bites of chicken. Originating from Chinese cuisine and adapted globally, it’s a recipe that bridges cultures and generations. Whether you’ve tried it at your favorite Chinese takeout or ventured into making it at home, you know this dish is the epitome of comforting, satisfying food.
What makes Cashew Chicken so special is its balance. It’s not too spicy, not overly sweet, and the textures play beautifully together—creamy, crunchy, juicy, and crisp all in one bite. This makes it incredibly appealing to a wide audience. Even picky eaters tend to love the mild and flavorful nature of this dish.
A Perfect Weeknight Meal
One of the biggest reasons Cashew Chicken has earned its place in many household dinner rotations is its convenience. From start to finish, this dish can be on the table in under 20 minutes, which makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen.
Despite its ease, the dish doesn’t compromise on flavor. The sauce is what brings everything together—savory soy, umami-rich oyster sauce, nutty sesame oil, and a hint of garlic and pepper to round it all out. Add to that the gentle crunch of roasted cashews and the freshness of bell peppers, and you have a full meal that hits every craving.
A Nutritional Perspective
Cashew Chicken also offers a balanced nutritional profile. While not necessarily a diet food, it brings together a healthy dose of protein, healthy fats from cashews, and fiber from the vegetables. Compared to deep-fried takeout options, a homemade version gives you full control over sodium, sugar, and oil content, making it a healthier choice.
Choosing chicken thighs over breasts keeps the meat juicy and tender, but you can always substitute for a leaner cut if preferred. Swapping in more vegetables or serving over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice can also boost the health factor without sacrificing taste.
The Secret to Authentic Flavor: Chinese Cooking Wine
One key component in getting that authentic Chinese restaurant taste is Chinese Cooking Wine, also known as Shaoxing wine. This ingredient might sound optional, but it’s truly transformative. It’s not meant to be consumed on its own—in fact, it’s rather unpleasant in that form—but when cooked into a dish, it adds depth and a subtle complexity that mimics the elusive “restaurant flavor” we all crave.
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine on hand, mirin or dry sherry are excellent alternatives. For those avoiding alcohol, a low-sodium chicken broth can still give body to the sauce, though the end flavor will be a touch milder.
Why Cashew Chicken Has Global Appeal
Cashew Chicken has evolved from a traditional Chinese dish into a global comfort food. In the United States, it was made famous in Springfield, Missouri, where a local chef created an Americanized version featuring breaded chicken chunks and thick gravy. Meanwhile, in Asia and among purists, the stir-fried version with minimal sauce and fresh vegetables remains the standard.
Regardless of its interpretation, the dish continues to enjoy popularity across the world. It’s approachable and flexible, offering a blank canvas to play with different vegetables, spice levels, and even proteins. Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, and it still works beautifully.
Versatility is Key
What makes Cashew Chicken even more beloved is its adaptability. You can make it your own with just a few swaps:
-
Vegetables: Not a fan of bell peppers? Use broccoli, snow peas, baby corn, or even zucchini.
-
Protein: As mentioned, chicken isn’t your only option. Shrimp, beef, or tofu can take center stage.
-
Heat Level: Want to spice it up? Add a dash of chili garlic sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
-
Sweetness: Some like a hint of sweetness to counterbalance the savory richness. A teaspoon of honey or brown sugar can bring just that.
This level of customization means the dish never has to feel boring or repetitive. It also allows you to cater to different dietary needs within your household.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
Cashew Chicken stores well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep. It will keep for about 3–4 days in an airtight container. When reheated, it retains its flavor, although the cashews may soften a bit. If you like that crunch, you can stir in a fresh handful just before serving.
It’s best reheated on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. While microwaving is convenient, it can sometimes overcook the chicken and dull the flavors slightly. Freezing is not recommended because the cornstarch-thickened sauce can separate and become watery.
A Family-Friendly Dish
Cashew Chicken is a go-to dish for families because it’s mild enough for kids yet flavorful enough for adults. The cashews add a nutty richness that elevates the entire plate, making even the simplest combination of ingredients feel special. It’s also a good way to sneak in vegetables without a fuss, especially when everything is coated in that irresistible sauce.
Serving it over plain white rice is the traditional choice, but you can pair it with brown rice, noodles, or even wrap it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. However you serve it, it’s bound to satisfy.
From Takeout to Homemade Glory
There’s something satisfying about mastering a dish you typically order in. Cashew Chicken is one of those meals that can easily transition from a weekend restaurant indulgence to a regular homemade favorite. Not only is it quicker than takeout, but it also gives you full control over quality and ingredients.
Cooking at home also invites creativity. Once you’ve nailed the classic version, it becomes a gateway dish—encouraging you to experiment with other Chinese stir-fries, sauces, and cooking techniques. You might find yourself exploring velveting techniques, different soy sauce varieties, or the delicate balance of sweet and savory that defines so much of Chinese cuisine.
Conclusion: Why Cashew Chicken Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Cashew Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a representation of flavor harmony, simplicity, and culinary satisfaction. It shows how a few humble ingredients can come together to form something utterly craveable, with the kind of depth that keeps you going back for more.
Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or an entire family, this dish delivers every time. It’s fast, adaptable, wholesome, and delicious. From the first sizzling toss in the wok to the final bite of saucy chicken and nutty crunch, Cashew Chicken brings joy to the dinner table.
So next time you’re tempted to order takeout, consider making this at home instead. Not only will it taste better—it’ll feel better too.