Chef John's Cashew Chicken

4.2

(94)

68 Reviews

29 Photos

This cashew chicken recipe is a fantastic way to use up some leftover grilled chicken breasts. This will work with any kind of cooked chicken, but leftover grilled chicken has that little bit of smokiness that adds something special to this quick recipe. Serve over hot cooked rice.

By

John Mitzewich

Updated on December 20, 2022

29

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

2

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

2 grilled skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ cup cold water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 lemon, juiced
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce, or more to taste
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons Asian chile pepper sauce (such as sambal oelek)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 fresh hot red chile pepper, sliced
6 thin slices fresh ginger root
½ cup dry-roasted cashews
2 cloves garlic, sliced
¼ cup chopped cilantro

Directions

Season chicken cubes with salt and black pepper.
Mix water and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth; whisk in lemon juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chile pepper sauce into cornstarch mixture, stirring until brown sugar has dissolved and cornstarch is free of lumps.
Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat; pour in vegetable oil. Add slices of red chile and ginger to the hot oil. Cook, stirring often, until oil is flavored, about 2 minutes. Stir in cashews and garlic; cook until cashews are lightly golden brown, about 2 minutes more.
Lightly toss seasoned chicken cubes with cashew mixture in skillet until combined, about 30 seconds. Turn heat down to medium-low and pour cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Stir constantly until sauce has thickened, about 30 seconds. If too thick, add a splash of water. Simmer 2 more minutes to heat the chicken through.
Adjust levels of salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and chile pepper sauce to taste. Stir in cilantro just until wilted, about 15 seconds.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

539	Calories
33g	Fat
30g	Carbs
34g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Calories 539
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 33g	42%
Saturated Fat 6g	29%
Cholesterol 73mg	24%
Sodium 829mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate 30g	11%
Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 34g	67%
Vitamin C 48mg	53%
Calcium 54mg	4%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 665mg	14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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