Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken

This cashew hen recipe comes collectively in about 10 minutes and is a more healthy model of the basic Chinese language takeout dish!

Cashew Hen Recipe Video

Should you’re in search of a weeknight dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and higher than takeout, this cashew hen is it. Chunk-sized items of tender hen are tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-savory home made sauce and completed with crunchy roasted cashews. Serve it over a bowl of fluffy rice with steamed broccoli, and dinner is finished. It’s daring, easy, and a complete crowd-pleaser! No difficult substances or steps required.

Chinese language Cashew Hen Recipe

For some purpose, Christmas at all times makes me crave Chinese language or Japanese meals.
I don’t know why. There’s no Asian heritage in my household, however when the vacations roll round, I simply need our crispy honey chicken, orange chicken, or one thing cozy and savory.

I had by no means made cashew hen at residence till now. I do know there are tons of recipes on the market, however this one is our favourite. It’s fast, simple, and the cleanup is minimal.

Truthfully, that’s my form of evening. A easy dinner, everybody in pajamas, and time to chill out. Within the winter, it’s even higher. My circulation is horrible, so I’m all about socks, slippers, and staying heat!

Anybody else crave pajamas and a comfy dinner the second it will get darkish?

Cashew Hen Elements

For this hen with cashews recipe, you’ll want solely a handful of pantry staples, and all of the substances are simple to search out on the grocery retailer. You gained’t imagine how simple it’s to make this restaurant-quality recipe proper at residence. Here’s what you will have…

Hen

• Boneless, skinless hen breasts: Lean protein that cooks shortly and absorbs the sauce effectively.
• Cornstarch: Coats the hen for a light-weight, crisp texture when cooked.
• Salt and pepper: Primary seasoning to boost the hen’s taste.
• Garlic: Provides a punch of savory, fragrant taste.
• Rice vinegar: Brightens the dish and balances the sweetness within the sauce.
• Canola oil: Impartial oil with a excessive smoke level for sautéing the hen.

Sauce

• Hoisin sauce: A thick, candy, and tangy base for traditional cashew hen taste.
• Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and depth.
• Brown sugar: Balances the savory parts with a touch of sweetness.
• Floor ginger: Heat spice that provides depth and enhances the garlic.
• Water: Thins the sauce to the proper consistency.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings to the hen.

Add-Ins

• Dry-roasted cashews: Crunchy texture and nutty taste that outline the dish.
• Sesame oil: Provides toasty, wealthy taste.

That is meant to be an summary of the substances for this recipe. For the detailed measurements, scroll all the way down to the recipe card on the finish of this publish.

Make Cashew Hen 

Along with protecting the substances checklist so simple as potential, we additionally determined to skip the deep-frying and opted to prepare dinner the cashew hen in an oiled skillet as an alternative. Listed here are the principle steps for making this cashew hen recipe: 

1. Toast: Within the oven, toast the cashews to deliver out that nutty taste.
2. Coat: Toss the diced hen with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. 
3. Prepare dinner: In a well-oiled skillet, prepare dinner the hen till it’s brown on all sides.
4. Stir: Whereas the hen cooks, stir collectively the cashew hen sauce. 
5. Simmer: Pour the sauce over the hen and let the combination simmer till barely thickened. 
6. End: Toss the cashews and slightly sesame oil with the hen and serve. Prime with inexperienced onions and sesame seeds if desired.

All the detailed directions may be discovered within the recipe card on the finish of the publish.

Can I Make Cashew Hen with Hen Thighs As an alternative? 

Sure, I’m positive hen thighs could possibly be used as an alternative of hen breasts. Simply word that you simply’ll need boneless, skinless thighs for this Chinese language hen recipe. 

Can I Add Veggies to My Cashew Hen?

Undoubtedly! Snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, bell pepper, and child corn would all be scrumptious additions to this home made cashew hen. You might wish to sauté the greens earlier than cooking the hen and add them again to the skillet while you toss every part with the sauce. (You don’t wish to overcook the greens!)

Can I Make This Gluten Free? 

Sure, through the use of cornstarch reasonably than flour to dredge the hen, it ought to be gluten-free. You’ll wish to double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free (if it’s not, you need to use tamari as an alternative). 

Ideas for Making Cashew Hen

Attempt to minimize the hen into even-sized items in order that all of it cooks at roughly the identical charge. It doesn’t need to be excellent, however do your greatest.

Should you choose your cashew hen on the spicier facet, add some crushed purple pepper flakes to the sauce. Watch out, slightly goes a great distance!   

What to Eat with Cashew Hen

Should you serve this hen with steamed rice and a facet of broccoli as proven, you don’t want anymore greater than that. However if you wish to change issues up otherwise you’re feeding a crowd and wish extra choices, strive the next facet dishes to go along with it:

Storing and Reheating

Storage Ideas:
Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge. It’ll hold for as much as 5 days, however for the very best taste and texture, attempt to get pleasure from it inside 2 to three days.

Reheating Tip:
For the very best outcomes, reheat leftovers in a skillet over low warmth with a splash of oil. This helps the hen keep tender and retains the sauce from drying out or turning rubbery.

The contrasting textures of the tender hen with the crunchy cashews coated in a candy and salty sticky sauce make this cashew hen completely irresistible! Neglect the Chinese language takeout and make this fast and easy recipe at residence!

Extra Asian Recipes: 

Advisable Merchandise