🥢 Chicken with Cashews Recipe — A Classic Chinese Stir-Fry Favorite

Chicken with Cashews is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish that’s loved around the world for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Tender chicken, crunchy roasted cashew nuts, colorful vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

This recipe is quick to make, light, and full of protein and healthy fats — making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

---

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

500 g boneless chicken breast or thigh (cut into bite-sized pieces)

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

1 tsp garlic (minced)

1 tsp ginger (minced)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)

1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar

1 tbsp sugar or honey

½ cup chicken broth or water

1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to make slurry)

Vegetables (optional but recommended):

1 red bell pepper (diced)

1 green bell pepper (diced)

1 onion (sliced)

1 cup broccoli florets or snap peas

Other:

¾ cup roasted unsalted cashew nuts

2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

Spring onions (for garnish)

---

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch slurry.

Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.

Stir-fry the chicken until lightly browned and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).

Remove and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining oil.

Add onion and bell peppers (and broccoli if using).

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

5. Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan.

Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well until it thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

Add roasted cashew nuts and toss for another minute.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with spring onions.

Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

---

📝 Pro Tips for Perfect Cashew Chicken

Use roasted cashews to keep their crunch. If using raw, dry roast them before adding.

Don’t overcook the vegetables — they should stay crisp.

For extra flavor, add a dash of chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes.

Thigh meat stays juicier than breast if stir-fried quickly.

---

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Cashew Chicken tastes amazing with:

Steamed Jasmine rice 🍚

Egg fried rice 🍳

Stir-fried noodles 🍜

A side of cucumber salad 🥒

---

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A healthy, protein-rich stir-fry dish

Perfect balance of crunchy, juicy, and saucy

Ready in under 30 minutes

Restaurant-style flavor at home

---

✨ Chicken with Cashews is the ultimate comfort stir-fry — quick, colorful, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints.

Would you like me to give you a spicy Szechuan-style variation of this recipe next? 🔥🥢