This Spicy Cashew Chicken combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and crisp veggies with a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that packs a punch. With the kick of sriracha, the richness of hoisin, and the crunch of cashews, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup cashews
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Directions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Toast the Cashews
In the same pan, add the cashews and toast them for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until they become lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, and broccoli florets to the same pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still bright in color.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, hoisin sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and minced ginger until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the chicken and toasted cashews to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with additional chopped green onions, if desired. Serve the Spicy Cashew Chicken over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: Serve this dish over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s also great alongside a simple salad or stir-fried greens.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies (without the cashews to prevent them from getting soggy) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Helpful Notes:
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of sriracha sauce. For a milder dish, reduce it or leave it out entirely.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or zucchini based on your preference or what’s in season.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Gordon Ramsay: “When stir-frying, always keep the heat high and the ingredients moving to get a nice char while keeping the vegetables crisp.”
- Ming Tsai: “To enhance the flavor of your cashews, toast them separately before adding them to the stir-fry. This brings out their natural oils and gives a better crunch.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes! You can substitute cashews with peanuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts if you prefer. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, making them a great alternative to chicken breast. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking. - What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little honey or sugar. - Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the vegetables, sauce, and chicken marinade ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, cook everything together in about 15 minutes.
This Spicy Cashew Chicken is packed with flavor and texture, making it a satisfying dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy!