Irresistible Easy Cashew Chicken in 30 Minutes or Less

Name: Easy Cashew Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4); 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews; 2 cups bell peppers (mixed colors), diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp fresh ginger (optional), minced

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

January 22, 2026

Updated:

January 22, 2026

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There’s something magical about Easy Cashew Chicken that hits all the right notes. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, savory sauce, mingling with crunchy cashews and vibrant veggies. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

I remember the first time I made this delicious dish; my family gathered around the table, eyes wide and stomachs rumbling in anticipation. It was a weeknight miracle that transformed our mundane dinner into a feast! Perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings, this dish never fails to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Cashew Chicken offers quick preparation without sacrificing flavor
Enjoy a delightful mix of textures and colors that brighten any meal
It’s a versatile dish perfect for serving over rice or noodles, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied

Watching my friends devour this dish with gleeful abandon reminds me why I love cooking so much!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well based on how many you’re feeding—more is always better in my house.
Cashews: Use roasted, unsalted cashews for the best crunch and nutty flavor; they add a lovely texture.
Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers for visual appeal; they add a sweet crunch to the dish.
Onion: A medium-sized onion adds depth and sweetness when sautéed until translucent.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; their aroma enhances every bite you take.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances flavor without overwhelming saltiness; feel free to adjust as needed.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Sweetness from honey or brown sugar beautifully contrasts the savory elements of the dish.
Cornstarch: Use cornstarch to thicken your sauce and give it that luscious consistency everyone loves.
Vegetable Oil: A high smoke point oil like canola is perfect for stir-frying and achieving crispy chicken.
Ginger (optional): Fresh ginger adds warmth and spice; consider using it if you want an extra kick!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Easy Cashew Chicken

How to Make Easy Cashew Chicken

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice bell peppers and onion, then mince garlic and ginger if you’re using it. This prep makes cooking smoother and faster.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and cornstarch. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while you gather other ingredients—this step infuses great flavor.

Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until they turn translucent, followed by bell peppers. Stir them around until fragrant but still crisp—about 4-5 minutes is ideal.

Cook the Chicken: Increase heat slightly before adding marinated chicken to the pan. Cook until it’s golden brown on all sides—about 6-8 minutes should do it! The smell will be irresistible at this point.

Add Cashews and Sauce: Toss in those crunchy cashews along with any remaining marinade. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated beautifully.

Serve It Up: Plate your Easy Cashew Chicken over rice or noodles for maximum enjoyment! Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy—it’s all about presentation!

Enjoying Easy Cashew Chicken is not just about filling your belly; it’s about creating memorable moments around food. So gather your loved ones, share some laughs—and don’t forget to save some leftovers (if there are any).

You Must Know

This easy cashew chicken recipe is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for busy weeknights
The nutty cashews add crunch, while the savory sauce elevates the dish
Don’t forget to serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then sauté it until golden brown before adding veggies. Finish with the sauce for a cohesive dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cashews for peanuts or add more vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover easy cashew chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts; they stay juicier during cooking
Always toast your nuts lightly for enhanced flavor
Don’t skip the marinating step; even 30 minutes makes a difference!

Sharing this dish at a dinner party earned me rave reviews, especially when my friend declared it better than takeout. Memories like that make cooking worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I make easy cashew chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge before reheating.

What can I substitute for cashews?

Peanuts or almonds work well as alternatives to cashews in this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this easy cashew chicken is mild but can be spiced up with chili flakes if desired.

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