Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken is a simple and tasty dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and a flavorful sauce that’s just right—not too sweet, not too salty. It’s one of those dishes that comes together quickly but still feels special because of the mix of textures and the familiar, comforting flavors.
I love making this recipe because it doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients or long prep time. The cashews add a nice crunch that makes every bite interesting, and the sauce is just the kind of tasty coating that makes the chicken shine. I usually stir-fry everything in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal.
My favorite way to serve Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some simple stir-fried veggies. It’s a meal that always gets smiles at the table, whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend treat. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself making this again and again because it’s just that good and so easy to whip up anytime you want something satisfying and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works great for a tender bite. You can swap it with chicken thighs if you like juicier meat. Just cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cashews: Raw cashews add a lovely crunch. You can toast them yourself in a dry pan for extra flavor or use pre-roasted ones for convenience.
Vegetables: Broccoli, onion, and red bell pepper bring color and texture. Feel free to add snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms if you want more veggies.
Sauces: Soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauce create the savory-sweet base. If you want a vegetarian option, replace oyster sauce with mushroom stir-fry sauce or extra hoisin.
How Do I Get the Sauce Thick and Sticky Without Lumps?
Thickening the sauce with cornstarch is key to that glossy coating on the chicken and veggies. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix cornstarch well with the liquid sauce ingredients until completely smooth before heating.
- Add the sauce to the hot pan in one go and stir quickly to prevent clumps.
- Keep stirring gently over medium heat until it thickens—this usually takes 1-2 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
A smooth, thick sauce helps the cashews and chicken hold onto all the flavors perfectly!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for stir-frying chicken and veggies quickly and evenly.
- Mixing bowls – to marinate the chicken and whisk the sauce without making a mess.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps you get the sauce flavors just right every time.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring without scratching your pan.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping chicken and vegetables safely and easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a tasty vegetarian version that still soaks up the sauce well.
- Add sliced mushrooms or snap peas for more color and crunch in your stir-fry.
- Use cashew butter in the sauce for a richer, creamier texture and stronger nut flavor.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha if you like a little spicy kick.
Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Marinade:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need an extra 10-15 minutes to marinate the chicken, but it’s worth the wait for tender, flavorful bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Mix well and let it rest for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set this mixture aside; it will add a delicious glaze to the dish.
3. Toast the Cashews:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cashews and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove cashews from the pan and set aside for later.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Place the marinated chicken in and stir-fry until it’s golden brown and cooked through, around 5 to 6 minutes. Then remove the chicken and set aside.
5. Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies:
In the hot pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
6. Combine and Glaze:
Return the cooked chicken and toasted cashews to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir everything continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats all the ingredients.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the dish if desired. Serve your cashew chicken hot with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful and crunchy Easy Authentic Cashew Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture, which helps the chicken brown better.
Can I Substitute Cashews with Another Nut?
Absolutely! Almonds or peanuts work well as alternatives and add a different but tasty crunch. Just toast them lightly before adding for the best flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cashew chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce or extra hoisin sauce. The cashews and veggies will still give you great texture and flavor.
