Pioneer Woman Cashew Chicken

This easy Pioneer Woman Cashew Chicken is a quick and delicious stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables, you can customize it with common ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy this creamy dish served over hot rice or noodles for a satisfying meal!

Ingredients Needed:

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For the Chicken:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small cubes (about 1.5 lbs)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup sherry or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup drained canned water chestnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup unsalted cashews
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or noodles (optional)

How To Cook Cashew Chicken:

1. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Set the sauce aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add 6 cubes of chicken thighs in a single layer, sprinkle with a small amount of kosher salt, and let it cook without stirring for a couple of minutes until it starts to brown. Once golden, stir to brown on all sides. Add 1 tablespoon chopped garlic and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger; stir to combine. Then add 1 chopped green bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Combine Everything: Pour in 1/4 cup sherry (or chicken broth), scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen flavorful bits. Reduce heat to medium-low, and then pour in the sauce mixture. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to create a slurry, and add it to the skillet. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Then add 1/2 cup coarsely chopped water chestnuts and 1 cup unsalted cashews, stirring to coat everything with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.
4. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle 2 thinly sliced green onions over the dish. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, vegetables, and ginger make a big difference in flavor. Try to use fresh produce whenever possible for the best taste.
• Cut Chicken Evenly: Make sure to cut the chicken thighs into uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly and ensures a consistent texture in every bite.
• Don’t Rush Browning: Allow the chicken to brown well before stirring. This adds flavor and gives the dish a nice color. Resist the urge to move the chicken too soon!
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. The right consistency ensures even coating on the chicken and veggies.
• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas. This not only adds variety but also boosts the nutrition of the dish.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Put leftover Cashew Chicken in a tight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze Cashew Chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then put it in a freezer bag or container. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before heating it again.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover Cashew Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until hot. Alternatively, microwave it covered for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add a splash of water if it’s dry.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 365g)

• Calories: 430
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 53g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 26g

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Lasagna
• Pioneer Woman Pretzel Crusted Chicken
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Marsala
• Pioneer Woman Asian Chicken Wings
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Florentine