Cashew Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with crunchy cashews, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This delightful stir-fry offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, with the nuttiness of cashews complementing the savory and slightly sweet sauce. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, Cashew Chicken is a crowd-pleasing favorite that will satisfy your cravings for a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired dish. Let’s delve into the history and details of this enticing recipe.

Cashew Chicken originated in the mid-20th century in the United States, specifically in the Chinese-American community. It emerged as a variation of traditional Chinese stir-fry dishes, adapted to suit the taste preferences and available ingredients in America.

The dish gained popularity in the 1960s when the flavors of Chinese cuisine began to flourish in the Western world. Chinese immigrants and their descendants introduced their culinary traditions, leading to the fusion of Chinese and American flavors in dishes like Cashew Chicken.

The key ingredient in Cashew Chicken is, of course, the cashew nuts. Cashews are native to Brazil but are now widely cultivated in various parts of the world. Their mild and buttery flavor, along with their unique crunch, adds a delightful dimension to the stir-fry.

Cashew Chicken typically features boneless chicken breast or thigh meat, which is marinated and stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and sometimes snow peas or water chestnuts. The sauce, usually a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger, brings the dish together with its umami-rich and savory profile.

The popularity of Cashew Chicken can be attributed to its versatility, quick cooking time, and delightful combination of flavors and textures. It has become a staple in Chinese-American restaurants and is often enjoyed at home as a comforting and satisfying meal.

PREP: 10 MIN.

BAKE: 45 MIN.

MAKES: 4 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
• 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
5. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the sliced onions and bell pepper strips to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sauce.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
9. Stir in the cashews and cook for an additional minute to warm them through.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat.
11. Garnish the Cashew Chicken with sliced green onions.
12. Serve the Cashew Chicken over steamed rice or noodles, enjoying the delightful blend of flavors and textures.

NOTES:

• Indulge in the savory and nutty goodness of your homemade Cashew Chicken, savoring the tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and flavorful vegetables in each bite. This popular Chinese-American dish brings together the best of both worlds, providing a satisfying and delicious culinary experience that will surely leave you wanting more.