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Crispy Cashew Chicken Delight Recipe Easy Homemade Sweet Savory Sauce

crispy cashew chicken delight - featured image

A crispy, crunchy chicken dish paired with roasted cashews and a perfectly balanced sweet savory sauce. Quick and easy to make, this recipe is a family favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (can swap with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg, beaten, room temperature
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil preferred)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
  • 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
  • ¾ cup roasted cashews, roughly chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Mix flour and cornstarch in one bowl. Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
  3. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to coat. Set aside.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan or wok to a depth of 1-2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Add cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat.
  8. Place fried chicken in a large bowl or serving dish. Pour warm sauce over chicken and toss gently to coat.
  9. Sprinkle chopped cashews, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds on top before serving.

Notes

Keep oil temperature consistent at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Toss chicken gently with sauce immediately before serving to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, use almond flour and tamari instead of soy sauce. For nut allergies, substitute cashews with roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Oven-baking option available at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, cashew chicken, sweet savory sauce, easy chicken recipe, fried chicken, family dinner, quick recipe, homemade sauce