Baked Cashew Chicken – A Flavor-Packed, Nutty, and Vibrant Dish That's Deliciously Sweet & Savory

If you’re craving a colorful, protein-packed dish that’s full of flavor and texture, this Baked Cashew Chicken is the perfect solution! With tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken, crisp broccoli, sweet red bell peppers, and crunchy cashews, all tossed in a rich and savory sauce, this meal has everything you need. The sauce brings together the perfect balance of soy, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar or honey. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something special to serve at your next gathering, this dish will be a hit!

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The Inspiration Behind Baked Cashew Chicken

Cashew chicken has long been a favorite takeout dish, but this homemade baked version brings a healthy, delicious twist to the table. With the simplicity of oven baking, you get a hands-off cooking experience, allowing the chicken to absorb all the bold flavors of the sauce while keeping the vegetables crisp and fresh. The combination of toasted cashews, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies is not only beautiful on the plate but also delivers a satisfying crunch and savory bite with every forkful. This dish was inspired by the idea of bringing wholesome, fresh ingredients together in a simple, oven-baked version of this beloved meal.

Why Baked Cashew Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite Dinner

This recipe has everything you could want: juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant veggies, all coated in a bold, flavorful sauce. The mix of soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and fresh ginger gives the dish an irresistible sweet and savory taste, while the crushed red pepper and optional sriracha add a hint of heat for those who like it spicy. Plus, baking everything together makes for easy prep and cleanup, so you can enjoy a stress-free dinner without sacrificing flavor. This meal is perfect served over rice or noodles, and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 4g

This dish is filling and packed with nutrients, especially when served with a side of rice or cauliflower rice to round out the meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Baked Cashew Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cauliflower rice or quinoa are excellent choices as well. For an extra pop of flavor and texture, top the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. This dish also pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or bok choy, or even a simple green salad with a light, citrusy dressing. And if you want to add more heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (and you just might!), this dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply place the cashew chicken in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again. If the sauce has thickened up a bit, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it while reheating. This dish also freezes well—just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and you’ll have a delicious, quick meal in no time.

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Fun Fact: The Story of Cashew Chicken

Did you know that cashew chicken has its roots in Chinese cuisine but was popularized in the U.S., especially in the Midwest? Springfield, Missouri, is famous for its version of cashew chicken, which is usually fried and served with a rich, thick sauce. Our baked version is a healthier take on this classic dish, using fresh ingredients and a lighter cooking method while keeping all the delicious flavors intact!

Cooking Tips

1. Toast the Cashews: For an extra boost of flavor and crunch, lightly toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat before adding them to the dish. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
2. Cut Evenly: Make sure to cut the chicken and veggies into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
3. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the broccoli and bell peppers for your favorite veggies—zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms would all work well in this dish.

Optional Variations

• Make it Spicy: If you love a kick of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add an extra drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
• Swap the Chicken: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Extra Veggies: Add in more vegetables like snow peas, carrots, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and color of the dish.

Baked Cashew Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 3-4 cups)
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 4 green onions, chopped (whites included)
• ⅔ – 1 cup unsalted cashews (lightly toasted if desired, raw or roasted)

For the Sauce:

• ⅓ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ⅓ cup chicken stock or broth
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• ½ tsp cracked pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp sriracha (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
• Cooked jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, chicken stock, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, corn starch, crushed red pepper, cracked pepper, and sriracha (if using).
3. Prepare the chicken and veggies: In a medium bowl or directly in an oil-sprayed baking dish, combine the chicken, broccoli, red bell pepper, green onions, and cashews. You can season the chicken with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor if desired.
4. Add the sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, tossing everything to coat evenly.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-24 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the dish sit for several minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Serve: Serve the baked cashew chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, and garnish with sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!

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Final Thoughts

Baked Cashew Chicken is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The simplicity of oven baking ensures that the meal comes together quickly with minimal effort, while the combination of cashews and a ginger-garlic sauce guarantees every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite!