When I first made this Spicy Cashew Chicken, I was hooked from the very first bite! The tender, golden-brown chicken, paired with the crunch of roasted cashews and coated in a fiery, tangy sauce, was an explosion of flavors I couldn’t resist.

It’s spicy and savory with a subtle sweetness that makes it utterly addictive. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it’s also a versatile dish that fits a variety of occasions—from weeknight dinners to impressing dinner guests. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of how delicious homemade takeout-style food can truly be.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

3 tbsp Soy sauce
2 tbsp Oyster sauce
2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
1 tbsp Rice vinegar
1 tbsp Brown sugar
1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
2 tsp Sesame oil
1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Cornstarch
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
2 tbsp Vegetable oil
1/2 cup Unsalted roasted cashews
3 cloves of Garlic, minced
1-inch piece of Fresh ginger, minced
2 Green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

How to Customize Your Dish?

Want to get creative with this recipe? Here are some ideas to switch things up:

Make it Dairy-Free: No adjustments needed here, as the recipe doesn’t use dairy!
Healthier Options: Swap out brown sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or use less oil to cook the chicken.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative that still soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Add Veggies: Include colorful bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini to pack your dish with extra nutrients.
Increase the Spice: Like it hot? Add more sriracha or sprinkle in some chili oil to turn up the heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s the essential gear and how you’ll use it:

Large skillet or wok: Perfect for stir-frying and keeping everything evenly cooked.
Mixing bowls: For prepping your sauce and coating your chicken.
Whisk: Ensures the sauce ingredients blend smoothly.
Knife and cutting board: To prepare your chicken, veggies, and aromatics.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Cashew Chicken

If you’re craving a bold and flavorful dish, this Spicy Cashew Chicken is a perfect choice! Follow these easy steps to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.

1. Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Combine soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and sriracha. Stir until the mix is smooth and set aside. This flavorful blend is the heart of the dish!

2. Coat and Season the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This step gives the chicken that crisp exterior you’re going to love.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook them until golden and crispy on the outside. This should take around 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

4. Add Aromatics

Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them until fragrant (about a minute). This adds a delightful zing to the dish.

5. Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Mix in the roasted cashews and green onions for the finishing touches. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you want an added kick.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the Spicy Cashew Chicken over a plate of steamed white rice or jasmine rice, and garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you might also enjoy our Kung Pao Chicken recipe for another spicy and savory delight.

Top Tips for a Foolproof Spicy Cashew Chicken

Coat with Care: Lightly coating the chicken in cornstarch ensures a crispy texture that holds up in the sauce.
Keep It Hot: Use high heat while cooking for a classic stir-fry texture and flavor.
Adjust the Sauce: Like it a bit sweeter or tangier? Play around with the proportions of soy sauce and brown sugar to suit your taste.

Ways to Serve Your Dish

This dish shines best when served fresh and hot. Here are more fun ideas for serving it:

Over Rice: Jasmine, white, or even cauliflower rice works beautifully.
With Noodles: Toss it with stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal.
Family Style: Serve it in a big bowl with extra cashews on top for everyone to grab from.
Add Crunch: Finish it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.

For a twist, you can also try serving it alongside our Teriyaki Chicken recipe for a flavorful combo.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional breakdown for this dish based on a single serving:

Calories: ~350
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~28g
Fat: ~15g

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning to make this dish ahead, you’re in luck because it stores well. Here’s how:

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore the crispy texture or in the microwave if you’re low on time.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked Spicy Cashew Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Pro Tip

Keep the sauce and cooked chicken separate for the best texture when reheating.

There you have it! This Spicy Cashew Chicken recipe is bursting with flavor and so easy to customize. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or just a snack, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot every single time. Happy cooking! If you’re looking for more lunch ideas, you can also enjoy similar recipes like those in our lunch recipes collection.

Follow this video to cook along: