Better Than Takeout Cashew Chicken

Want to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home? This Homemade Cashew Chicken recipe is here to change your weeknight dinners. In just 20 minutes, you can make a dish that outshines any takeout.

This recipe is more than just a meal. It’s a journey of flavors with protein, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce. Each serving has 40 grams of protein and only 369 calories. It’s a healthy and tasty option for those who care about their diet.

The dish is special because of its mix of textures and tastes. You’ll find tender chicken, crisp broccoli, sweet bell peppers, and crunchy cashews. Together, they create a flavor experience that will leave you wanting more.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this easy yet impressive recipe. It shows that homemade food is always better than takeout!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cashew Chicken

Making a tasty Healthy Cashew Chicken Recipe begins with picking the right ingredients. This dish mixes protein, veggies, and a tasty sauce. It’s a meal that beats any takeout.

When making Cashew Chicken with Vegetables, the quality of ingredients matters a lot. Let’s look at the main parts that make your cooking great.

Protein and Base Components

The base of our dish starts with the perfect protein. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs (14 oz) – More flavorful and tender than breast meat
• Unsalted roasted cashews (¾ cup) – The star ingredient that gives the dish its name
• Mixed bell peppers (2 cups total):
  • Green bell peppers (¾ cup)
  • Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers (1¼ cups)
• ½ onion, diced into 1-inch pieces
• Green onions (2), cut into 1.5-inch pieces

Sauce Ingredients

The sauce makes this Healthy Cashew Chicken Recipe special. Get these flavor-rich ingredients:

• Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon)
• Soy sauce (2 teaspoons)
• Fish sauce (1 teaspoon)
• Golden Mountain sauce (1 teaspoon)
• Sugar (1½ teaspoons)
• Thai chili paste (1½ tablespoons)
• Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon)

Pro tip: For the best Cashew Chicken with Vegetables, use fresh ingredients. Take your time to prepare each part. You’ll get a dish as good as a restaurant’s!

Better Than Takeout Cashew Chicken: Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Ready to make an amazing Easy Cashew Chicken Stir-fry that’s better than takeout? Let’s go through the cooking steps together. This Cashew Chicken Meal Prep recipe will turn your kitchen into a gourmet spot in just 35 minutes!

First, get your ingredients ready with care. You’ll need:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• ¾ cup whole cashews
• ½ white onion, diced
• ½ bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

The key to a great stir-fry is in the prep. Marinate your chicken for 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors. While that’s happening, toast your cashews at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden and smell amazing.

Now, let’s cook:

1. Cook marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes until it’s fully cooked
2. Stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds
3. Add onions and cook for 1 minute
4. Incorporate bell peppers for 30-60 seconds
5. Blend in your prepared sauce
6. Toss in roasted cashews

Pro tip for your Cashew Chicken Meal Prep: Let the dish cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal planning easy!

Tips for Serving and Storage

Pair Gluten-Free Cashew Chicken with steamed white or brown rice for a great meal. The dish’s rich flavors go well with plain rice. It makes your meal feel like it’s from a restaurant.

Storing this recipe is easy. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Remember, store the cashews separately to keep them crunchy. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for the best taste.

Don’t freeze this dish. The veggies and cashews might lose their crispness. Freezing can also make the chicken soggy. If you need to store it longer, prepare the sauce and chicken separately.

This recipe is flexible for different diets. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Or, swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option that’s just as tasty and nutritious.