Name: Easy Cashew Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; ½ teaspoon chili garlic sauce; 3 tablespoons chicken broth or water; 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 6 green onions, diced; ¾ cup unsalted roasted cashews; Cooked white rice, for serving

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This Easy Cashew Chicken recipe brings the bold, savory-sweet flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your own kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender pieces of chicken, crunchy cashews, and a rich, flavorful sauce served over fluffy white rice. It’s the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.

Better than takeout: Full of bold Asian-inspired flavors, without the extra grease or cost.
One-pan meal: Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
Customizable: Add veggies, adjust spice levels, or serve with brown rice for a healthier twist.
Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids, yet flavorful enough for adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

hoisin sauce
chili garlic sauce
chicken broth or water
boneless skinless chicken thighs
salt and pepper
cornstarch
vegetable oil
onion
garlic cloves
rice vinegar
green onions
unsalted roasted cashews
cooked white rice (for serving)

Directions

Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and chicken broth. Set aside.

Prepare the chicken
Add chicken pieces to a medium bowl, season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
Cook the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Add aromatics
Stir in chopped onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Deglaze and sauce
Pour in rice vinegar and stir. Cook for one more minute. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the hoisin mixture. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and simmer for a few minutes until warmed through.
Finish the dish
Remove from heat. Stir in green onions and roasted cashews. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Spoon over a bed of warm cooked white rice and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added color and nutrients.

Swap proteins: Use diced chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp instead of chicken thighs.
Make it spicy: Add more chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Go low carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.

Gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the chili garlic sauce, but you can reduce or omit it to suit your preference.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

Try a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and a bit of peanut butter or molasses for a similar flavor profile.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli are great additions.

What’s the best rice to serve with this?

White jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even brown rice pairs beautifully with the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

For extra crispiness, fry the chicken in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Are the cashews supposed to be raw or roasted?

Use unsalted roasted cashews for the best crunch and flavor.

Can I make it without cornstarch?

You can omit it, but the cornstarch helps create a light coating and thickens the sauce slightly.

How do I double the recipe?

Double all ingredients, but cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.

Conclusion

Easy Cashew Chicken is the perfect answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma—quick, flavorful, and completely satisfying. With minimal prep and a simple ingredient list, this takeout-style dish can be on your table in just 30 minutes. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular on your menu rotation.