If you love rich, creamy, and nutty flavors, this Butter Cashew Chicken dinner is a must-try! Inspired by restaurant-style cashew chicken, this dish combines tender chicken, buttery cashews, and a flavorful sauce for a meal that’s both indulgent and easy to make. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress, this recipe delivers bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite.
Table of Contents
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Chicken | 1.5 pounds |
| Black Pepper & Chili Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Broccoli | 1.5 cups |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh Ginger, grated | 1 tablespoon |
| Green Onions, chopped | 4 stalks |
| Pickled Ginger | 1/3 cup |
| Hoisin Sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Maple Syrup | 1 tablespoon |
| Sriracha | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Cashews | 1 cup |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss ground chicken with cornstarch, paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and slightly crispy.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha.
4. Add Aromatics & Cashews
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and pickled ginger.
- Add cashews and butter, letting them caramelize around the chicken.
5. Combine & Serve
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 431 | Provides balanced energy |
| Protein | 46g | Supports muscle growth & satiety |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | Provides sustained energy |
| Healthy Fats | 16g | Supports brain function & heart health |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV | Boosts immunity & skin health |
Recipe Variations & Customization
Make this Butter Cashew Chicken dinner your own with these fun variations:
Spicy Kick – Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
Extra Crunch – Use toasted cashews for a deeper nutty flavor.
Creamier Sauce – Stir in coconut milk or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezer-Friendly Option
- Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 1 month.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
On-the-Go Dinner Idea
- Pack a portion in a microwave-safe container for a quick lunch or dinner at work or school.
Health Benefits of Butter Cashew Chicken
This Butter Cashew Chicken dinner isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients!
- Protein-Rich – Chicken provides lean protein for muscle growth and satiety.
- Heart-Healthy Fats – Cashews and sesame oil contribute to balanced cholesterol levels.
- Immune-Boosting Ingredients – Garlic and ginger help fight inflammation and support immunity.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Cashew Chicken ?
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
✔️ Restaurant-Style Flavor – Tastes like takeout but healthier & homemade.
✔️ Rich & Comforting – A creamy, nutty, and buttery dish that satisfies cravings.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust spice levels, protein choices, and toppings to fit your taste.
Added Bonus
For extra depth, try roasting the cashews before adding them to the dish. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delicious crunch!
Conclusion
Dinner should be comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, and this Butter Cashew Chicken dinner delivers all that and more! With its creamy, nutty richness, tender chicken, and perfectly blended spices, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. The combination of buttery cashews and aromatic garlic-ginger infusion creates a depth of flavor that feels both indulgent and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Not only is this dish packed with bold flavors, but it also offers essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and balanced meal. Whether served with fluffy rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice, the options are endless for tailoring this dish to fit your preferences. Plus, with easy customization options like extra spice, added veggies, or protein swaps, this meal suits any palate while keeping it nutrient-rich and delicious.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this Butter Cashew Chicken dinner is a quick and convenient meal, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to bring variety to their dinner rotation without spending hours in the kitchen. By incorporating wholesome ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this dish becomes an effortless way to enjoy homemade comfort food with minimal hassle.
So, whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this Butter Cashew Chicken recipe is a delicious, satisfying, and foolproof option you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and experience the perfect blend of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and savory goodness—all in one dish!
Related Recipe
If you love this Butter Cashew Chicken dinner, check out Air-Fried Bourbon Chicken Skewers—another rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy meals!
FAQ
1. Which is better for this recipe—tempeh or tofu?
Both tempeh and tofu can work beautifully as substitutes for chicken, but they bring different textures and flavors. Tempeh has a firmer, nutty, and slightly chewy texture, which holds up well in rich, creamy sauces like Butter Cashew Chicken. It also absorbs flavors deeply, making it an excellent choice for a more hearty and robust dish.
Tofu, on the other hand, is softer and silkier, which allows it to blend well with the sauce for a creamier, more delicate texture. If using tofu, consider pressing it to remove excess moisture and pan-searing it before adding the sauce to give it a better bite.
2. Can I make Butter Cashew Chicken without dairy?
Yes! You can replace butter with coconut oil or ghee for a dairy-free version. Cashew cream naturally adds richness, making it just as creamy without traditional dairy.
3. How do I enhance the nutty flavor in this dish?
To deepen the nutty taste, toast the cashews before blending them into the sauce. You can also add a spoonful of almond butter for an extra layer of richness.
4. What’s a surprising ingredient that pairs well with Butter Cashew Chicken?
A touch of cinnamon or star anise can add warmth and complexity to the dish, complementing the creamy cashew-based sauce beautifully.
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