Spicy Cashew Chicken | A Quick & Flavorful Stir-Fry

If you love bold flavors, crispy textures, and a bit of heat, this Spicy Cashew Chicken is the perfect dish for you! This easy stir-fry is packed with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory-spicy sauce that’s full of depth. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal that’s even better than takeout!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

✔ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
✔ 2 tbsp cornstarch
✔ 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

✔ ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
✔ 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
✔ 1 tbsp rice vinegar
✔ 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
✔ 1 tsp sesame oil
✔ 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
✔ 2 cloves garlic (minced)
✔ 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
✔ ¼ cup water

For the Stir-Fry:

✔ ½ cup unsalted cashews (toasted)
✔ 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
✔ 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
✔ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
✔ 2 green onions (sliced)
✔ Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Coat & Cook the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and water until well combined.

3. Stir-Fry Everything

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil and toss in the bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Return the chicken to the pan, then pour in the sauce.
3. Add the cashews and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir to coat everything evenly.
4. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

4. Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy!

Serving Ideas

🍚 Pair with jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
🥢 Serve with stir-fried veggies like broccoli or snow peas.
🔥 Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha or red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips

✔ Toast the cashews in a dry pan for extra crunch and flavor.
✔ Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
✔ Double the sauce for extra flavor to drizzle over rice or noodles.

This Spicy Cashew Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and spicy—a homemade takeout favorite you’ll want to make again and again! 🍛🔥🥢