Bring Missouri Comfort Home: Quick and Delicious Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe!

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When it comes to Midwestern cuisine, Missouri is home to an impressive array of flavors that combine hearty ingredients with simple preparation. One dish that exemplifies this perfectly is Easy Cashew Chicken. Known for its balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food, making it a favorite for families across Missouri.

Missouri is no stranger to culinary fusion. The state has been influenced by flavors from all over the country, blending together into dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Cashew chicken is one of these dishes, merging Chinese-inspired flavors with a Midwestern twist. Originally popularized in Springfield, Missouri, this dish offers a perfect combination of tender chicken, crispy cashews, and a tangy hoisin-based sauce that is just the right amount of sweet and spicy.

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests with, Easy Cashew Chicken hits the mark. The best part? It can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.

Recipe: Easy Cashew Chicken

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small sweet onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 6 scallions, diced
• 3/4 cup unsalted, roasted cashews
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and water. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until fully coated. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked through—this should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add the onion to the pan and cook for another 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Toss in the garlic, stirring for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the rice vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about a minute.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the reserved hoisin mixture and cook for another minute, stirring to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
7. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the diced scallions and roasted cashews. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve this savory cashew chicken over a bed of hot, cooked white rice for a perfect meal.

The Missouri Twist

Cashew Chicken has become a beloved staple in Missouri homes, especially in Springfield, where it’s considered a local specialty. The dish’s satisfying mix of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant scallions combined with the umami-packed hoisin sauce creates a flavor that’s not only rich but also deeply comforting. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish adds a taste of Missouri's warmth to the table.

Here are a few great sources for Cashew Chicken recipes that match your request:

1. Taste of Home's Classic Cashew Chicken Recipe – This version is stir-fried and features cashews, chicken, and a mix of vegetables like carrots and broccoli, with a tangy hoisin sauce base. It's a simple, flavorful recipe that’s popular across the U.S., particularly in the Midwest. You can find the full recipe here​(Taste of Home)​(Taste of Home).
2. Orange Cashew Chicken Recipe – If you're interested in a twist, this recipe from Taste of Home adds a citrusy flavor with orange juice and honey, giving the classic cashew chicken a sweet-tangy edge. It's a quick meal, taking just 25 minutes to prepare. Check it out here​(Taste of Home).

These sources offer versatile ways to enjoy this beloved dish, with some regional variations that reflect its popularity across the U.S.