Chicken Recipes

Easy Cashew Chicken

It's a delightful combination of ingredients that makes this easy cashew chicken a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

In this blog post, we are going to learn how to make an easy and delicious cashew chicken recipe. This recipe is a perfect blend of tender chicken, crunchy cashew nuts, and flavorful sauce, making it a must-try for anyone who loves Asian-inspired dishes. The best part is that you can whip up this dish in no time, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. So, let's dive into the details of this mouthwatering cashew chicken recipe!

What Is Easy Cashew Chicken?

In this recipe, the succulent boneless and skinless chicken breast is combined with the unique flavors of Indian spices and seasoning to create a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
The perfect blend of diced bell peppers, onion, and whole cashew nuts adds a crunchy texture to the dish, while the marination and sauce infuse the chicken with a burst of flavor. It's a delightful combination of ingredients that makes this easy cashew chicken a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Why You'll Love Easy Cashew Chicken?

Deliciously Crunchy Texture: The combination of tender chicken, crispy cashews, and crunchy bell peppers creates a delightful texture that will leave you craving for more with every bite.
Packed with Protein: The boneless and skinless chicken breast used in this recipe is a great source of lean protein, making it a healthy and filling meal option.
Nutrient-Rich Cashews: Cashews are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, adding a nutritional boost to the dish.
Balanced Flavor Profile: The savory and slightly sweet sauce, combined with the earthy flavor of the cashews, creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
Quick and Easy to Make: With simple marination and sauce preparation, along with stir-frying the ingredients, this easy cashew chicken recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that can be tailored to your liking.

Ingredients for Easy Cashew Chicken

Boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces: The main protein in the dish, the chicken provides a hearty and meaty texture to the dish.
Fresh ginger: Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the dish and pairs well with the other ingredients.
Green and red bell peppers: Provides a sweet and crunchy element to the dish, as well as adding a pop of color.
Onion: Adds a savory flavor and helps to enhance the depth of the dish.
Cashew nuts: Adds a rich and buttery flavor, as well as a nice crunch to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for frying and adds a subtle fruity flavor to the dish.

How To Make Easy Cashew Chicken?

To make easy cashew chicken, start by marinating boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces with corn flour, soy sauce, balsamic grape vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Next, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, white pepper, balsamic grape vinegar, sugar, red chili flakes, and sesame oil in a small bowl to create the sauce.
In a non-stick pan, heat olive oil and fry the cashews until they turn golden brown. Set them aside and then stir-fry the marinated chicken pieces until they are halfway cooked. Set the chicken aside and then sauté grated ginger, diced onion, and bell peppers until aromatic.
Add the half-cooked chicken back to the pan along with the prepared sauce, and stir continuously until the chicken is fully cooked and coated with the sauce.
Finally, add the fried cashews and season with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish the cashew chicken with green onions and serve hot with fried rice or noodles for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

The key to making delicious easy cashew chicken lies in marinating the chicken and creating a well-balanced sauce to coat the chicken pieces. These steps ensure that the flavors are absorbed and enhanced, resulting in a mouthwatering cashew chicken dish that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

Fried Rice: Cashew chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of fried rice. The combination of flavors and textures make for a satisfying meal.
Noodles: Another great option is to serve the cashew chicken with noodles. The smooth texture of the noodles complements the crunch of the cashew nuts and the tender chicken.
Steamed Vegetables: For a healthier option, consider serving the cashew chicken with a side of steamed vegetables. The simplicity of the vegetables will allow the flavors of the cashew chicken to shine through.
Quinoa: If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, consider pairing the cashew chicken with quinoa. The nutty flavor of the quinoa will complement the dish beautifully.
Mixed Greens Salad: A light and refreshing option is to serve the cashew chicken with a mixed greens salad. The crispness of the greens will provide a contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Spring Rolls: For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve the cashew chicken with spring rolls. The crispy exterior and savory filling of the spring rolls make for a satisfying addition to the meal.

By offering a range of serving suggestions, you can easily elevate the easy cashew chicken into a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Easy Cashew Chicken

Preparation Duration: The preparation for this easy cashew chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes for marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce. It is essential to marinate the chicken to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.
Cooking Techniques: When cooking the cashew chicken, make sure to stir-fry the chicken until it turns white in color or is half cooked. This helps to lock in the flavor and keep the chicken tender. Also, be mindful not to overcook the chicken to avoid making it tough and dry.
Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing with chopped green onions not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also enhances the overall presentation. It gives the dish a fresh and appetizing look, making it more appealing to the eyes.
Flavor Enhancement: To enhance the flavor of the dish, add salt and pepper to taste if needed after adding the sauce to the chicken. This ensures that the flavors are balanced and suit your palate.
Serving Suggestion: To enjoy this easy cashew chicken to the fullest, serve it hot with fried rice or noodles. The combination of the savory chicken with the fragrant rice or noodles makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Final Touch: After adding the cashew nuts to the chicken, give it a quick stir to ensure they are well incorporated. This adds a delightful crunch to the dish and elevates the overall texture. Remember to remove the dish from the heat promptly to maintain the tender and succulent texture of the chicken.

By following these practical tips, you can create a perfect and flavorful easy cashew chicken dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Variations for Easy Cashew Chicken

Vegetable Options: Instead of using bell peppers, try adding other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn for a different flavor and texture.
Protein Swap: Experiment with different proteins like tofu, shrimp, or beef in place of chicken to create a unique twist on this classic dish.
Nut Substitutions: If you're not a fan of cashews, try using almonds, peanuts, or even pine nuts for an interesting variation in texture and taste.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to suit your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the chili flakes, or for an extra kick, add a bit more to the sauce.
Sauce Variations: Play around with the sauce ingredients by adding a splash of orange juice, a dash of honey, or a hint of garlic for a different flavor profile.
Garnish Options: Get creative with the garnishes by adding chopped cilantro, sliced green chilies, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a visually appealing and flavorful finishing touch.

By incorporating these variations, you can customize the easy cashew chicken recipe to your liking and create a unique dining experience every time you prepare this delicious dish. Feel free to experiment and have fun exploring different ingredients to make it your own!

How to Store Easy Cashew Chicken

Storing Cooked Cashew Chicken: To maintain the freshness of the cooked cashew chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent the chicken from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Storing Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, store the fresh ingredients such as bell peppers, ginger, and onions in a cool, dry place. Keep them in separate bags or containers to prevent them from getting soggy or wilted.
Preserving Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life.
Maintaining Sauce Freshness: The sauce can be stored in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Reheating Leftovers: When reheating the leftover cashew chicken, make sure to heat it thoroughly in a microwave or on the stove. Add a little bit of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing for Future Use: To extend the shelf life, you can also freeze the cooked cashew chicken in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Following these simple storage tricks will help you enjoy the delicious easy cashew chicken for days to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I use instead of cashew nuts?

If you have a nut allergy or simply don't have cashew nuts on hand, you can substitute them with almonds, peanuts, or even sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the boneless, skinless chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier and more tender result. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the chicken with tofu or mixed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that all other ingredients are also free from gluten.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. This can be a time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spiciness in the dish can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili flakes. Feel free to customize it to suit your preference.

Easy Cashew Chicken 2017-05-19 02:45:54

Recipe Card