Cashew Chicken Delight – A Nutty and Flavorful Takeout Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cashew Chicken Delight is a restaurant-style favorite you can easily recreate at home. This dish combines tender chicken pieces stir-fried with crisp vegetables and crunchy cashews, all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a wonderful balance of textures—juicy chicken, crunchy nuts, and tender-crisp vegetables—that makes every bite satisfying. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, coats everything in a glossy finish that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility: you can adjust the vegetables, spice level, and sauce thickness to suit your tastes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough for a special dinner. Cashew Chicken Delight delivers all the comfort of takeout with the freshness and customization of homemade cooking.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces, providing tender protein for the dish.

Cashews – Lightly toasted, they add crunch and a buttery, nutty flavor that defines the recipe.

Soy sauce – Forms the base of the sauce, delivering savory umami depth.

Hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness and a hint of tang, enriching the flavor balance.

Garlic – Freshly minced, it brings bold aroma and sharpness to the stir-fry.

Ginger – Fresh ginger adds warmth and spice that complements the cashews beautifully.

Vegetable oil – Neutral in flavor, perfect for stir-frying at high heat.

Broccoli florets – Add freshness, color, and crunch to the dish.

Bell peppers – Bright and slightly sweet, they balance the savory sauce.

Onion – Lightly sautéed, providing sweetness and depth.

Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken for tenderness.

Chicken broth – Adds body to the sauce and prevents it from becoming too salty.

Green onions – Garnish the dish with freshness and color.

Directions

Begin by tossing the chicken pieces with a light coating of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, and a pinch of sugar if desired to create the stir-fry sauce.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp.

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together until evenly coated. Add the toasted cashews, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is glossy. Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking requires 12–15 minutes. In total, you can have Cashew Chicken Delight ready in 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. For best results, keep the cashews separate until serving to maintain their crunch.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy cashew chicken – Add chili flakes, sriracha, or dried red chilies for extra heat.

Different vegetables – Use snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to mix up the flavors.

Nut alternatives – Swap cashews with peanuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different texture.

Gluten-free option – Replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure other sauces are gluten-free.

Sweeter version – Add a splash of honey or brown sugar to the sauce.

Citrus twist – Stir in a little orange juice or zest for a refreshing flavor boost.

Low-carb option – Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

Vegetarian swap – Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh while keeping the same sauce.

Sesame flavor – Drizzle sesame oil at the end or garnish with sesame seeds.

Meal prep ready – Make in bulk and portion with rice for easy lunches.

FAQs

Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?

Yes, roasted cashews work fine, though unsalted ones are best to control seasoning.

What cut of chicken works best?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work, but thighs provide extra juiciness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well, though add the cashews just before serving for crunch.

Is this dish very spicy?

Not unless you add chili or hot sauce—it’s naturally mild and family-friendly.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just thaw slightly and cook until heated through.

What’s the best side for cashew chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles pair beautifully.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Yes, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken further.

Is this healthier than takeout?

Yes, since you control the oil, sauce, and portion sizes.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger wok or skillet to avoid overcrowding.

How do I keep the cashews crunchy?

Add them at the very end before serving.

Conclusion

Cashew Chicken Delight is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that captures the essence of takeout while giving you control over ingredients and flavors. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and nutty crunch, it’s both satisfying and wholesome. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many customizations, Cashew Chicken Delight will quickly earn a place in your regular dinner rotation.