Fiery Cashew Chicken Delight

Craving the vibrant, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of your favorite Asian takeout but want to enjoy a healthier, homemade version? Look no further! This delectable Spicy Cashew Chicken recipe is your answer. Forget the long wait times and unknown ingredients – this dish is incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with fresh vegetables, succulent chicken, and a perfectly balanced sauce that will make your taste buds sing. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, coming together in less than 30 minutes, proving that delicious and nutritious can also be quick and easy.

There are days when culinary inspiration is scarce, and the thought of cooking feels daunting. On such occasions, I always reach for recipes that promise minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Spicy Cashew Chicken stir-fry perfectly fits that bill. It’s not just fast; it’s a wonderfully satisfying meal packed with an array of vibrant, sautéed vegetables that add both color and essential nutrients. The star of the show, beyond the tender chicken, is the delightful crunch of perfectly roasted cashews, providing an irresistible textural contrast to every bite. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings the best of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your kitchen table, without the hassle or the hefty price tag of restaurant delivery.

If you’re a fan of quick, flavorful, and healthy stir-fry creations, you might also love exploring other delicious options. Consider trying my Teriyaki Salmon Stir Fry for a seafood twist, or perhaps my Sweet and Chili Shrimp Stir Fry for another zesty and speedy meal that will brighten up your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe

This Spicy Cashew Chicken isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary journey that promises convenience, incredible taste, and a wholesome meal. Here’s why this dish is destined to become a regular in your kitchen:

• Unforgettable Homemade Stir-Fry Sauce: The secret to any great stir-fry lies in its sauce, and this recipe delivers. Our homemade blend is a symphony of flavors – perfectly sweet, deeply savory, with a subtle kick of spice, and rich umami notes. It beautifully coats every tender piece of chicken, elevating the entire dish to restaurant-quality status.
• Packed with Fresh, Vibrant Veggies: Say goodbye to greasy takeout! This healthier alternative is loaded with crisp-tender bell peppers, zucchini, and more, providing a fantastic boost of vitamins and fiber. You get to control the amount of salt and oil, making it significantly lighter and fresher than typical restaurant versions, often coming in at under 350 calories per serving!
• A Must-Try for Asian Cuisine Enthusiasts: If your palate gravitates towards the complex and aromatic profiles of Thai or general Asian cuisines, this takeout-inspired Spicy Cashew Chicken recipe will undoubtedly become a new favorite. It captures the essence of those beloved flavors in an approachable home-cooked format.
• Effortlessly Easy & Incredibly Fast: Designed for the busiest schedules, this scrumptious Cashew Chicken recipe transforms from a few simple ingredients into a full meal in less than 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for hectic weeknights when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly: Making your own stir-fry at home is not only healthier but also significantly more economical than ordering takeout. You get more servings for less money, stretching your grocery budget further.
• Customizable to Your Liking: Whether you prefer more heat, less sugar, or a different mix of vegetables, this recipe is highly adaptable. It encourages culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your family’s preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Your Spicy Cashew Chicken

Crafting this flavorful stir-fry requires a selection of fresh produce, quality protein, and a few pantry staples for our signature sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Chicken Tenders: Opt for chicken tenders for their quick cooking time and inherent tenderness, or cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
• Fresh Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers: I recommend a mix of red and green bell peppers for a burst of color and a sweet, crisp texture.
  • Zucchini: Adds a soft, slightly sweet element that complements the other vegetables.
  • Scallions (Green Onions): Essential for a fresh, aromatic garnish and a hint of onion flavor.
• Olive Oil: Or your preferred cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or even a hint of sesame oil for added depth.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the aromatic base of the stir-fry.
• Roasted Cashews: The namesake ingredient! Ensure they are roasted for that delightful, nutty crunch. You can buy them pre-roasted or quickly toast raw cashews in a dry pan.

The Irresistible Cashew Chicken Sauce Components:

The magic of this dish truly comes alive in its perfectly balanced sauce. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that harmonious sweet, savory, and spicy profile:

• Reduced Sodium Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth forms the liquid base of the sauce. Using reduced sodium allows better control over the overall saltiness.
• Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides the essential umami and savory depth. Again, reduced sodium helps prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
• Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) adds a crucial tangy counterpoint, brightening the rich flavors.
• Fresh Ginger: Finely grated fresh ginger infuses the sauce with its distinctive warm, pungent aroma and flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients. Adjust to taste.
• Corn Starch: This is the thickening agent that gives the sauce its glossy, luscious consistency, ensuring it beautifully clings to the chicken and vegetables.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory and spicy elements, giving the sauce its signature “takeout” feel.
• Pepper Flakes (Chili Flakes): For that delightful kick! Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level, or omit entirely for a milder version.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Spicy Cashew Chicken Perfection

Making this incredible stir-fry is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. Follow these simple steps to bring this takeout favorite to your dinner table:

• Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place): Before you even turn on the stove, ensure all your chicken is cubed, vegetables are chopped, garlic and ginger are minced, and your sauce ingredients are measured and mixed. Stir-fries cook quickly, so having everything ready is key to success.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat. Add your bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp – you want them cooked but still with a slight bite. Remove the sautéed vegetables from the pan and set them aside in a bowl.

• Toast the Cashews: Using the same skillet, briefly toss the roasted cashews for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until they are lightly golden and fragrant. This enhances their nutty flavor and crunch. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the cashews and add them to the bowl with the cooked vegetables.
• Cook the Chicken: Add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil to the now-empty skillet, returning it to high heat. Add your cubed chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides and fully cooked through.

• Introduce the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, give your prepared cashew chicken sauce mixture a quick whisk (to re-incorporate the cornstarch) and pour it directly over the chicken in the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute. The sauce will begin to thicken and become glossy, coating the chicken beautifully.
• Combine & Simmer: Return the sautéed vegetables and toasted cashews to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to warm through without becoming overcooked.
• Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish generously with fresh sliced scallions or green onions for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately over your favorite rice or noodles and prepare to enjoy a truly spectacular homemade meal!

Chef’s Secrets: Maximizing Your Spicy Cashew Chicken Flavor

Achieving a restaurant-quality stir-fry at home is easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks:

• Master Your Prep (Mise en Place): This cannot be stressed enough for stir-fries! Have all your chicken cut, vegetables chopped, garlic minced, ginger grated, and sauce mixed *before* you start cooking. Stir-frying is a rapid process, and you won’t have time to chop mid-cook.
• Choose the Right Cookware: A large skillet with high sides or, even better, a wok, is ideal. This allows you to toss and stir ingredients easily without them spilling out, and it ensures even heat distribution for that perfect stir-fry texture.
• Keep Stirring for Evenness: Stir your ingredients frequently while cooking. This technique ensures that everything cooks evenly and prevents anything from sticking or burning, guaranteeing a consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Achieve a Beautiful Sear on the Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook it in batches if necessary. High heat and adequate space allow the chicken to develop a delicious golden-brown sear, locking in juices and adding depth of flavor.
• Perfecting the Sauce Consistency: When you return the cooked vegetables and cashews to the pan, ensure the sauce has thickened to a rich, glossy consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for another minute; if it’s too thick, add a splash of broth.
• Customizing the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder Cashew Chicken recipe, simply reduce the amount of chili pepper flakes, or omit them entirely. For an extra kick, feel free to add a bit more or even a dash of sriracha at the end.
• Protein Flexibility: This recipe is incredibly versatile! While chicken tenders are fantastic, feel free to swap in other proteins like cubed chicken breast, tender cuts of beef (like sirloin or flank steak), or raw shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Nut Alternatives: Not a fan of cashews or have an allergy? Peanuts make an excellent substitute, offering a similar crunch and nutty flavor profile. Almonds could also work well.
• Add a Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can add a wonderful bright note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Cashew Chicken

Creative Variations & Substitutions for Your Cashew Chicken

This Cashew Chicken recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to get creative with ingredients and use up whatever you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your next culinary adventure:

• Alternative Proteins: While chicken tenders are recommended for their tenderness, this recipe works beautifully with various proteins. You can use cubed chicken breast, raw shrimp (which cook very quickly), or tender cuts of red meat like beef fillet, ribeye steak, or New York strip steak, sliced thinly against the grain. Adjust cooking times to ensure proper doneness without overcooking.
• Expand Your Veggie Palette: Don’t limit yourself to bell peppers and zucchini! Almost any stir-fry friendly vegetable will shine here. Consider adding sliced onions, crisp asparagus spears, crunchy snow peas, thinly sliced carrots, broccoli florets, edamame, or sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Different Nuts: If cashews aren’t your preference or are unavailable, roasted peanuts are an excellent and popular substitute, providing a similar texture and nutty flavor. Other options like sliced almonds or even water chestnuts for added crunch could be explored.
• Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, Cashew Chicken is typically served over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty brown rice. For a heartier meal, serve it with stir-fried noodles or even homemade fried rice. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great low-carb alternatives.
• Oil Options: Beyond olive oil, you can use other oils that are suitable for high-heat cooking. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or a neutral-tasting coconut oil are good choices. For an authentic Asian aroma, consider finishing with a drizzle of sesame oil, but use sparingly as its flavor is quite strong.

Customizing Your Cashew Chicken Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, and it can be easily adjusted to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. For those avoiding soy, liquid aminos or tamari (for a gluten-free option) can be excellent substitutes for soy sauce. If you want to increase the heat, simply add more pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite chili garlic sauce. For a sweeter sauce, a little extra brown sugar can be incorporated, or for a less sweet version, reduce the amount. A tiny splash of fish sauce can also add another layer of umami depth if you’re feeling adventurous.

Is This Recipe Ideal for Meal Prep?

Absolutely! This delicious Spicy Cashew Chicken recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for packing lunches or having ready-to-go dinners throughout the week. To meal prep, simply cook the recipe as directed, then divide it into airtight containers along with your preferred side (like rice or quinoa). If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can completely omit the brown sugar from the sauce and serve the stir-fry with cauliflower rice or extra steamed vegetables instead of traditional grains. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Cooked Spicy Cashew Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly hot. Freezing is generally not recommended for stir-fries as the vegetables can become mushy upon thawing and reheating, but the chicken portion could potentially be frozen separately if the sauce is robust enough.

More Delicious Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed the flavors and simplicity of this Spicy Cashew Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few other delectable recipes that might pique your interest and become new family favorites:

• Quick Shrimp and Vegetable Skillet
• Sweet and Chili Shrimp Stir Fry
• Zesty Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Classic Chicken with Mixed Vegetables

I genuinely hope you find as much joy in preparing and savoring this incredible Spicy Cashew Chicken recipe as I do. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Please take a moment to try it, enjoy it, and consider rating it and sharing your experience with friends and family. Your feedback means the world!

If you whip up this delicious recipe and love it, please share your creation with me on INSTAGRAM using my hashtag! You might even get featured in my story! Don’t forget to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all my latest culinary posts and exciting new recipes. Happy cooking!

Spicy Cashew Chicken

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

This Spicy Cashew Chicken is a delicious, takeout-inspired stir-fry meal that can be made at home in under 30 minutes, offering a healthier and more budget-friendly alternative!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs. chicken tenders, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, cubed
• 1 green bell pepper, cubed
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced (or minced)
• 1 large zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews
• 3 tbsps. olive oil, divided (1.5 tbsp for veggies, 1.5 tbsp for chicken)
• Sliced scallions or green onions, optional (for garnish)

For the Cashew Sauce:

• 1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsps. reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. vinegar (rice vinegar preferred)
• 1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp. corn starch
• 1.5 tbsps. brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 tsp. pepper flakes (adjust for spice)

Instructions

1. Heat 1.5 tbsps. of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the cubed bell peppers, sliced zucchini, and sliced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
3. In the same skillet, briefly toss the roasted cashews for 1-2 minutes until lightly fragrant and golden. Remove and add to the bowl with the cooked vegetables.
4. Add the remaining 1.5 tbsps. of olive oil to the skillet and return to high heat. Add the cubed chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
5. While the chicken cooks, whisk together all the sauce ingredients (chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, black pepper, salt, corn starch, brown sugar, pepper flakes) in a small bowl until well combined and the corn starch is dissolved.
6. Pour the whisked sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Return the sautéed vegetables and toasted cashews to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh sliced scallions or green onions (if using). Serve hot with rice or noodles and enjoy!

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients are prepped and chopped before you begin cooking, as stir-fries move quickly.
• Use a large skillet or wok to give your ingredients enough space for even cooking.
• Stir your ingredients often to prevent sticking and ensure consistent cooking.
• Achieve a lovely brown sear on your chicken by cooking it over high heat and not overcrowding the pan.
• Return the veggies to the pan only after the sauce has thickened to maintain their tender-crisp texture.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Feel free to experiment with other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu.
• Peanuts make an excellent substitute if you prefer them over cashews.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1g | Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.9g | Protein: 38.1g | Fat: 16.6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 530mg | Sugar: 5.5g