Sizzling Cashew Chicken in Savory Garlic Sauce Recipe

Try This Sizzling Cashew Chicken Garlic Sauce Recipe Tonight

Crispy, golden cashew chicken dances with vibrant flavors in this savory garlic sauce recipe that promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Aromas of roasted cashews and tender chicken will instantly capture your senses.

Fragrant garlic weaves magic through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Weeknight dinners transform into culinary adventures with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can easily master these restaurant-quality flavors without complicated techniques.

Layers of umami and richness await you in every forkful of this incredible meal.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that brings excitement to your dinner table.

What’s to Love About Sizzling Cashew Chicken

  • Quicken Dinner Prep: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen effort, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap bell peppers for other vegetables or adjust protein options, creating a flexible dish that adapts to personal preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Packed with Flavor Punch: Garlic sauce and roasted cashews deliver a rich, savory profile that elevates simple chicken to a mouthwatering main course with incredible depth and texture.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Using just a single wok or skillet means faster cooking and minimal cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients for Cashew Chicken in Garlic Sauce

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that serves as the primary component of the dish.
  • Cashews: Crunchy nuts that provide texture and nutty flavor to the stir-fry.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetable that adds color and crisp texture to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides salty and umami base for the savory garlic sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that delivers intense flavor to the chicken.
Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Cooking Oil, Water: Essential for stir-frying and creating the right sauce consistency.
  • Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Instructions for Stir-Frying Cashew Chicken Right

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a small bowl and blend cornstarch with soy sauce until silky smooth. Toss in the remaining sauce ingredients, whisking them together until perfectly combined.

This magical mixture will be the heart of your dish’s incredible taste.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Scoop out two tablespoons of the prepared sauce and massage it into the chicken pieces.

Let the meat soak up those delicious flavors for at least 10 minutes. The longer it sits, the more mouth-watering it becomes.

Step 3: Fire Up the Wok

Crank your wok or skillet to high heat and splash in some oil. Toss in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped onions

Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about a minute until they release their tantalizing fragrance.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Slide in the marinated chicken and let it sizzle for two minutes. Toss in green bell peppers and stir-fry for another minute, creating a colorful and appetizing mix.

Step 5: Create the Magical Sauce

Pour in the remaining sauce and water. Let everything simmer and dance together, stirring for about a minute until the sauce transforms into a luscious, thick coating.

Step 6: Add the Crunch

Sprinkle in roasted cashews, giving everything a quick and thorough mix. The nuts will add an irresistible crunch to your dish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Immediately transfer to a serving plate. Pair with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

Get ready to dive into a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Helpful Tips for Cooking Cashew Chicken Perfectly

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, lean protein that absorbs marinade perfectly.
  • Roast cashews beforehand for extra crunch and deeper nutty flavor, enhancing the overall dish texture.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure quick stir-frying and prevent burning garlic or overcooking chicken.

Easy Ways to Tweak Cashew Chicken Recipes

  • Spicy Cashew Chicken Remix: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add chili flakes for extra heat, creating a fiery version of the original recipe.
  • Thai-Inspired Cashew Chicken: Incorporate coconut milk, lime juice, and Thai basil to transform the dish with authentic Southeast Asian flavors.
  • Vegetarian Cashew Delight: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh, keeping the same savory garlic sauce and roasted cashew elements for a plant-based alternative.
  • Mediterranean Cashew Fusion: Introduce oregano, lemon zest, and replace soy sauce with olive oil to give the dish a Mediterranean coastal touch.

Side Dishes That Match Cashew Chicken Flavor

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Pinot Grigio perfectly balances the dish's rich, savory garlic sauce with its light, refreshing acidity.
  • Complement with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that elevate the sizzling cashew chicken.
  • Match with Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with cucumber, mixed greens, and a light sesame vinaigrette provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy chicken dish.
  • Serve with Ginger Lemonade: A homemade ginger lemonade cuts through the richness of the cashew chicken, offering a zesty and slightly spicy palate cleanser.

Properly Storing Sizzling Cashew Chicken

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cashew chicken in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled cashew chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to restore moisture, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
  • Stovetop Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying.

Cashew Chicken Q&A You’ll Appreciate

  • Is this dish spicy?

The sauce has a mild, savory flavor with garlic, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat if desired.

  • Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Absolutely! Almonds or peanuts work great as alternative crunchy toppings with similar texture and flavor profile.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce absorption.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free version of the dish while maintaining the same delicious flavor.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sizzling Cashew Chicken in Savory Garlic Sauce Recipe

Sizzling Cashew Chicken in Savory Garlic Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent “Sizzling Cashew Chicken in Savory Garlic Sauce” delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors that dance across taste buds. Crisp chicken, toasted cashews, and rich garlic sauce create a quick restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 500 grams (1 pound) chicken thigh, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 onion, chopped into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 0.8-inch pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (all-purpose or light)
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin/dry sherry)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • Dash of white pepper (or black pepper)

Cooking Oils and Nuts:

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 3/4 cup roasted, unsalted cashews

Instructions

  1. Whisk cornstarch and soy sauce in a small bowl until creating a silky, lump-free mixture. Incorporate remaining sauce components thoroughly to develop a harmonious flavor profile.
  2. Separate 2 tablespoons of prepared sauce and gently coat chicken pieces, allowing marinading for a minimum of 10 minutes to enhance taste absorption.
  3. Ignite wok or large skillet over high heat (approximately 400°F). Rapidly sauté minced garlic and diced onions until fragrant and slightly translucent, about 45-60 seconds.
  4. Introduce marinated chicken into hot pan, cooking for 2 minutes while continuously stirring to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
  5. Swiftly add green bell peppers, tossing ingredients together for an additional minute to maintain vegetable crispness.
  6. Stream remaining sauce and water into the skillet, reducing heat to medium. Simmer and stir constantly for 1 minute until sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency.
  7. Fold roasted cashews into the mixture, ensuring complete integration of flavors and textures.
  8. Immediately transfer to serving dish, presenting alongside steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a versatile meal option.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking and better sauce absorption.
  • Marinate chicken for longer (up to 30 minutes) to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
  • Use high heat and quick stir-frying technique to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent overcooking.
  • Substitute cashews with almonds or peanuts for varied texture and dietary preferences, keeping protein crunch intact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star