Description
Chinese Cashew Chicken is a quick dinner packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, sweet bell peppers, crunchy cashews, and a rich savory sauce that tastes better than takeout. This easy recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, easy dinner ideas, homemade takeout cravings, and family-friendly food ideas. Every bite combines bold flavor, satisfying texture, and colorful fresh ingredients for a meal that feels comforting yet fresh.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup shelled edamame
4 green onions, sliced
1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
1. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and coat them evenly with cornstarch. Let the chicken rest for several minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, honey, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet if needed. Stir-fry the broccoli and bell pepper for several minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Add the edamame and continue cooking briefly until heated through.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
8. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens into a glossy coating.
9. Add the roasted cashews and toss gently to combine.
10. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top just before serving.
11. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure proper browning.
Add the cashews near the end of cooking to keep them crunchy and flavorful.
Keep the vegetables slightly crisp for the best texture and restaurant-style stir-fry results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chinese Cashew Chicken, easy dinner, quick dinner, homemade takeout, stir fry recipe, chicken dinner ideas, Asian-inspired recipe