Easy Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe : Cheesecake Factory Inspired
If you're a fan of the Cheesecake Factory, then you’ve likely tried their Spicy Cashew Chicken – a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, tangy, and spicy sauce, all topped with crunchy cashews. This restaurant-inspired recipe lets you enjoy this beloved dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors: savory chicken, spicy heat, a hint of sweetness, and the satisfying crunch of cashews. The sauce brings it all together, with the perfect combination of soy sauce, sriracha, and other flavorful ingredients. Serve it over rice, and you have a well-rounded, delicious meal.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok: Used for cooking the chicken and stir-frying the cashews and garlic. A large skillet ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the sauce thickens nicely.
- Sharp Knife: For cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slicing garlic, green onions, or any additional vegetables.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for preparing all your ingredients, ensuring efficient and tidy chopping.
- Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure out ingredients like soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and cornstarch for the sauce.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the cornstarch and water, and for preparing the sauce components before adding them to the skillet.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: To stir the chicken and cashews without damaging the meat and to toss ingredients around the skillet evenly.
- Serving Plate: To plate your finished dish for serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cashews roasted, unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup green onions sliced, for garnish
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce adjust for heat preference
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch-water mixture. Set aside.
- Cook the Garlic and Cashews: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the cashews and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they’re slightly toasted.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
To make this Spicy Cashew Chicken even more delicious, try adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for extra texture and flavor. You can also enhance the sauce with a splash of lime juice or a dash of ginger for added depth. For a sweeter twist, stir in a little more honey, or top with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.