If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and healthier version of your favorite restaurant-style cashew chicken, this 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken recipe is your go-to. Packed with savory garlic butter sauce, crispy chicken, and crunchy cashews, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is an easy-to-make dish that brings bold flavors right to your kitchen. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and speed—just 20 minutes from start to finish. Using ground chicken, instead of frying pieces of chicken, makes it healthier while still delivering a delicious, crispy texture. The buttery sauce, combined with fresh ginger, hoisin sauce, and a hint of maple syrup, creates a rich flavor profile that’s hard to beat. This dish is also versatile and can easily be served over rice with some added greens for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Ground Chicken: The star of the dish, this protein is quick to cook and takes on the flavors of the sauce perfectly.
- Cashews: Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and helps caramelize the chicken, bringing out a rich flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the dish.
- Fresh Ginger: Brings warmth and a bit of zing to the sauce.
- Pickled Ginger: Adds a unique tangy kick and complements the flavors of the sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and savory base for the sauce that ties everything together.
- Tamari or Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to balance the sweetness of the hoisin.
- Maple Syrup: Provides a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors.
- Sriracha: Adds a touch of heat for a spicy kick.
- Broccoli: Adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish.
- Green Onions: Garnish that adds a fresh, crisp flavor.
- Rice: Serves as the perfect base for the flavorful chicken and sauce.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Ground Turkey or Pork: If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey or pork can easily be substituted to change up the flavor.
- Almonds or Peanuts: If you prefer a different nut, almonds or peanuts can replace cashews for a similar crunch and flavor.
- Broccoli Florets: While broccoli adds color and crunch, you can also try bell peppers, snow peas, or green beans for a different texture and flavor.
- Coconut Aminos: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, coconut aminos can replace tamari or soy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a glass jar, combine hoisin sauce, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha. Shake well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, cornstarch, paprika, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the chicken as it browns, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Stir in butter, garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the butter to brown slightly and coat the chicken.
- Add Cashews and Sauce: Toss in the cashews and pour in two-thirds of the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and begins to coat the chicken.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in broccoli and pickled ginger. Let it cook for another 2-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has reduced.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken and broccoli over rice. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips & Tricks
- Check the Crispy Texture: To ensure the chicken becomes crispy, make sure the cornstarch and spices are evenly coated. The butter and garlic caramelization step is essential to creating that irresistible crispy edge.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking so it stays bright and crisp. Overcooking it can lead to mushy vegetables.
- Extra Sauce: For those who love extra flavor, don’t hesitate to double the sauce or serve it on the side.
- Storage: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For a more vibrant meal, try adding a side of sautéed spinach or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish. If you want a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or add some red pepper flakes for extra heat.
This recipe is also easy to customize based on dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap the tamari and hoisin sauce for gluten-free alternatives. If you’re vegan, replace the chicken with tofu and use plant-based butter for a delicious vegan version of this dish.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
Not only is this 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken incredibly quick to make, but it’s also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. The combination of tangy, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors is sure to please anyone at the dinner table, and it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re making it for yourself or a family dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Conclusion
In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful, healthier version of your favorite restaurant-style cashew chicken. This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken offers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a quick and delicious meal. The addition of cashews, fresh ginger, and a rich garlic butter sauce takes this dish to the next level, making it a meal the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, this recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for speed.
FAQ About 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The cooking method will remain the same, and the flavors will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like your dishes with extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or add some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also top the dish with fresh chili slices for an added kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat and add the fresh broccoli and rice.
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20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is a flavorful and quick dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy cashews in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe is packed with vibrant flavors and is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp pickled ginger
- Cooked rice for serving
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a glass jar, combine hoisin sauce, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha. Shake well and set aside.
- Heat sesame oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground chicken, cornstarch, paprika, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the butter, garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the butter to brown slightly and coat the chicken.
- Add the cashews and pour in two-thirds of the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and begins to coat the chicken.
- Stir in the broccoli and pickled ginger. Let it cook for another 2-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has reduced.
- Serve the chicken and broccoli over rice. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead by prepping the sauce and cooking the chicken in advance. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey or pork can be substituted for the chicken.
- For a vegan version, replace chicken with tofu and use plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 761 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1,212 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 33 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Cholesterol: 132 mg
