Easy Cashew Chicken is a quick, flavorful stir-fry that brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Tender pieces of chicken are sautéed until golden, then tossed with crisp vegetables, roasted cashews, and a savory-sweet sauce made with soy, garlic, and a hint of ginger.
This dish offers a delightful balance of textures — juicy chicken, crunchy nuts, and tender-crisp veggies — all coated in rich, glossy flavors.
Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Healthy, satisfying, and bursting with Asian-inspired taste, it’s a dinner winner.
If you’re in the mood for a satisfying stir-fry that blends savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, Cashew Chicken is a go-to classic.
This takeout favorite, which originated as an American-Chinese dish, combines tender chicken pieces with crunchy cashews, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, flavorful sauce.
The best part? This easy version is quick to make, customizable, and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether you serve it with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or noodles, it’s a complete, comforting meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Easy Cashew Chicken is a quick, flavorful stir-fry combining tender chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and crunchy roasted cashews in a savory-sweet sauce.
This dish balances textures beautifully—juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and nutty crunch—while delivering a rich, umami-packed taste.
The sauce, typically made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey or hoisin, coats every bite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, it cooks in under 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Its simplicity and fresh ingredients make it a healthy, satisfying choice for busy families or anyone craving homemade takeout.
In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed. Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until bright and slightly tender but still crisp. Add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Turn off heat and sprinkle with green onion tops and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cashew Chicken is a Chinese-American takeout classic with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory-sweet sauce.
Making it at home is surprisingly simple, but with a few smart tips, you can make it taste restaurant-quality while keeping it quick and weeknight-friendly.
Even a short marinade can make a big difference. Mix soy sauce, a touch of cornstarch, and a little rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine.
Cashew Chicken’s sauce is usually a mix of:
Tip: Taste before thickening—adjust sweetness, saltiness, or tang to your preference. If you like heat, add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.
Never skip this step! Lightly toast cashews in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before adding them to the dish. This brings out their nutty flavor and keeps them crunchy even after saucing. You can use raw or roasted cashews, but avoid heavily salted ones—they can overpower the sauce.
A good Cashew Chicken isn’t just about the chicken—it’s about a perfect ratio. Aim for equal parts chicken and vegetables, plus a generous handful of cashews for texture. This makes it lighter, more colorful, and more nutritious.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or sesame seeds before serving. A squeeze of lime just before eating adds brightness.
Cashew Chicken pairs wonderfully with:
For a full meal, add a simple side like Asian cucumber salad, miso soup, or spring rolls.
This Easy Cashew Chicken is proof that restaurant-quality flavor is possible at home in less time than it takes for delivery. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, crisp vegetables, and silky sauce creates a perfect balance of taste and texture.
It’s a recipe you can adapt endlessly—add more heat, swap in seasonal vegetables, or adjust the sauce to your liking. Best of all, you know exactly what’s in it, making it fresher, healthier, and just as satisfying as your favorite takeout.
With these tips, Easy Cashew Chicken becomes more than just a quick dinner—it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s just as good as (if not better than) your favorite takeout.
Once you try it, you might find yourself keeping cashews and soy sauce on hand just for “emergency stir-fry nights.” It’s that good—quick, flavorful, and comforting every single time.
