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Easy Skillet Cashew Chicken Recipe

Easy Skillet Cashew Chicken

A quick and flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs, a savory sauce, and crunchy cashews.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet Ideal for even cooking and browning.

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 0.5 cup hoisin sauce
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Chinese cooking wine No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 can sliced water chestnuts
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup roasted cashews
  • none sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by chopping the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. This ensures they will be tender and flavorful.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, cooking wine, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until well combined. This sauce will be the star of your dish!
  • Pour the sauce over the chopped chicken and mix thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the sauce, allowing excess sauce to drip off, and add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is caramelized. Remember not to overcrowd the pan; you want that lovely caramelization!
  • Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until fully cooked and golden brown.
  • Add the remaining sauce to the skillet along with the sliced water chestnuts, chopped celery, and roasted cashews. Stir well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  • Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes at this stage!
  • Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh touch. Serve this dish over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

Recipe notes: No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Keyword Easy Skillet Cashew Chicken Recipe