How to Make Chef John's Cashew Chicken - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to flavorful, Asian-inspired dishes, Chef John's Cashew Chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. This mouthwatering dish is a perfect balance of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress your family and friends.

One of the best things about Chef John's Cashew Chicken is that it's versatile and can be customized t...

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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

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Servings: 2

  • 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

    539 cal.

    • Total Fat: 33g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 73mg
    • Sodium: 829mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 12g
    • Protein: 34g
    • Vitamin C: 48mg
    • Calcium: 54mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 665mg