Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken: A 20-Minute Wonder for Beginner Cooks

I have a confession: I was once a devoted patron of my neighborhood Chinese takeout establishment. The irresistible aroma of those savory, saucy dishes held a particular allure, especially after a demanding day. However, I eventually discovered the sheer delight of preparing my own cashew chicken. It wasn’t merely about economizing; it was about crafting a meal that was healthier, fresher, and meticulously tailored to my personal taste preferences. This Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken recipe has since become my reliable standby for swift, gratifying dinners. It’s exceptionally well-suited for beginner cooks due to its remarkable speed, minimal chopping requirements, and the ability to deliver restaurant-quality flavors in a mere 20 minutes. You’ll master the art of creating a flawlessly balanced stir-fry, coating chicken in a crispy cornstarch shell, and concocting a garlicky soy sauce that will effectively eliminate any future cravings for takeout. Furthermore, it’s a splendid way to incorporate crisp-tender vegetables and lean protein into your daily diet.

Print

This Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken recipe is thoughtfully designed to be beginner-friendly, breaking down the cooking process into clear, manageable, numbered steps. We’ll commence by coating the chicken in a crispy cornstarch mixture, followed by sautéing it with a vibrant medley of vegetables. While the vegetables are cooking, we’ll whisk together a flavorful sauce, and finally, we’ll combine all the components with crunchy cashews and green onions for a restaurant-caliber meal. This recipe presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire essential cooking techniques, such as stir-frying, creating a harmonious sauce, and achieving the ideal texture for both the chicken and vegetables, all while producing a meal that’s both delectable and effortlessly easy to prepare.

Ingredients and Preparation (A Detailed Guide to Cashew Chicken Perfection)

This recipe yields 5 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or meal prepping for the week ahead. You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to create more or fewer servings, catering to your specific needs. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings or to have extra chicken for later enjoyment.

Ingredients (The Stars of the Show):

Stir-Fry:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch Cornstarch is used to create a crispy coating for the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon salt Salt enhances the flavor of the chicken and vegetables.
• ½ teaspoon pepper Pepper adds a subtle spice to the dish.
• about 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts are a lean and versatile protein source.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the stir-fry.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• 2 heaping cups broccoli florets Broccoli florets add a crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients.
• 1 cup red bell peppers, diced small Diced red bell peppers add a sweet and vibrant flavor.
• 1 cup shelled frozen edamame Shelled frozen edamame adds a boost of protein and fiber.
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed Finely minced or pressed garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted dry-roasted whole cashews Unsalted dry-roasted whole cashews add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
• ¾ to 1 cup green onions, sliced into thin rounds (from about 3 or 4 green onions) Sliced green onions add a fresh and herbaceous note.

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce Low-sodium soy sauce adds a savory and umami flavor.
• 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar Rice wine vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Asian chili garlic sauce Asian chili garlic sauce adds a spicy and garlicky kick.
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger Ground ginger adds a warm and slightly pungent flavor.

Alternatives and Flexibility (Making it Your Own Culinary Creation):

• Chicken Choices (The Chicken Customization): You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even leftover cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetable Variations (The Vegetable Voyage): You can use other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn.
• Edamame Options (The Edamame Exchange): You can use frozen peas, green beans, or omit the edamame altogether.
• Nut Alternatives (The Nut Navigation): You can use other nuts like peanuts, almonds, walnuts, or even pine nuts.
• Onion Options (The Onion Options): You can use chives, shallots, or omit the green onions.
• Soy Sauce Substitutes (The Soy Sauce Switch): You can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
• Sweetener Substitutes (The Sweetness Selection): You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
• Vinegar Variations (The Vinegar Voyage): You can use apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even a splash of lemon juice.
• Spice Level (The Spice Spectrum): You can use sriracha, sambal oelek, or another hot sauce instead of Asian chili garlic sauce. You can also adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your taste.
• Ginger Alternatives (The Ginger Options): You can use fresh ginger, finely grated, or ginger powder.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy Steps to Cashew Chicken)

1. Coat the Chicken (The Coating Process): To a gallon-sized ziptop bag, add the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and diced chicken. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to coat the chicken evenly with the cornstarch mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken (The Chicken Cooking): To a large skillet or wok, add the sesame oil and olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping and stirring frequently, until all sides are cooked evenly and the chicken is about 80-90% cooked through.
3. Add Vegetables (The Vegetable Venture): Add the broccoli florets, diced red bell peppers, frozen edamame (add it straight from the freezer), and finely minced or pressed garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine with the chicken. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring intermittently, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Make the Sauce (The Sauce Synthesis): While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. To a medium bowl, add the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, Asian chili garlic sauce, and ground ginger. Whisk thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
5. Add Cashews (The Cashew Component): Add the unsalted dry-roasted whole cashews to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
6. Add Sauce (The Sauce Saturation): Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with all the ingredients. Allow the sauce to simmer over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
7. Add Green Onions (The Onion Ornamentation): Add the sliced green onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Beginner Tips and Notes (Troubleshooting and Helpful Hints)

• Chicken Doneness (The Doneness Determination): Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Vegetable Crispness (The Crispness Criterion): Cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender, meaning they are cooked but still have a slight crunch. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
• Sauce Consistency (The Consistency Control): If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• Garlic Burning (The Burning Blockade): Don’t burn the garlic. Add it with the other vegetables and cook briefly. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.

Serving Suggestions (Enhancing Your Cashew Chicken Experience)

This Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken is a delightful meal on its own, offering a flavorful and satisfying dish. However, it can be further enhanced with complementary sides and toppings to create a more elaborate and visually appealing meal presentation.

Complementary Sides (The Delicious Additions):

• Steamed Rice (The Rice Right): Serve with steamed white rice or brown rice for a classic and comforting side dish, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Cauliflower Rice (The Cauliflower Choice): Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb and healthy alternative, adding a light and fluffy texture.
• Lo Mein Noodles (The Noodle Navigation): Serve with lo mein noodles or rice noodles for a more substantial and filling meal, adding a chewy and satisfying element.
• Vegetable Egg Rolls (The Egg Roll Elegance): Serve with vegetable or chicken egg rolls for a crispy and savory appetizer, complementing the flavors of the main dish.

Storage Tips (Keeping Your Cashew Chicken Fresh and Flavorful):

• Store leftover cashew chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its freshness and flavor.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
• Add toppings like sesame seeds or green onions just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
• If storing leftover chicken with rice or noodles, store them separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Conclusion (Inviting You to Create and Share)

This Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken recipe is a perfect illustration of how simple ingredients and beginner-friendly techniques can culminate in a truly delightful and healthy meal that’s perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering. It’s an excellent option for beginner cooks who want to learn some essential cooking skills and create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe and add your own personal touch. Try different vegetables, nuts, sauces, or toppings to create your own unique version. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Cooking should be an enjoyable and creative experience, not a chore.

Now, I encourage you to try this recipe – you won’t be disappointed! Share your culinary creations and any variations you come up with in the comments below – I’d love to hear about your cashew chicken adventures! Did you try a different nut? Did you add any special vegetables? What did your family or friends think? Let me know! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the fragrant aroma of cashew chicken and the anticipation of a truly satisfying meal! This Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple cooking, flavorful ingredients, and the joy of sharing homemade dishes with loved ones. Enjoy every flavorful bite! And who knows? Maybe this will become your new go-to recipe for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. You might even find yourself making a double batch because it’s just that good. So, go ahead, embrace the simplicity of this recipe, unleash your culinary creativity, and prepare to be amazed by just how delicious and impressive this Cashew Chicken is. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. Bon appétit!