If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that brings restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen, this 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is the answer. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty notes. This dish is made healthier and quicker with ground chicken and cashews, cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving a quick yet impressive meal.
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Why You’ll Love This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is a family-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan dish that’s both quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. The key to its deliciousness lies in the golden buttery sauce that caramelizes the chicken and cashews, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite. Plus, it’s healthier than the typical takeout version, so you can enjoy all the flavors without the guilt.
Ingredients For 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
Here are the ingredients that make this dish shine:
• Ground chicken: Lean protein that cooks quickly and easily, ensuring the dish is done in no time.
• Cashews: Provide a delightful crunch and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the chicken for that golden, crispy edge.
• Garlic: A must-have for flavor, garlic gives the sauce its aromatic, savory base.
• Fresh ginger: Adds a spicy kick and freshness to balance the richness of the butter.
• Pickled ginger: Offers a tangy twist to the dish and enhances its flavor complexity.
• Hoisin sauce: Provides a sweet and savory depth to the sauce.
• Tamari or soy sauce: Brings the salty, umami flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that helps balance the heat from sriracha and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess to the sauce for that perfect balance of flavors.
• Sriracha: Provides a subtle heat that gives the dish its spicy kick.
• Black pepper and chili flakes: Boost the spice level and add a little kick.
• Broccoli: Adds color and freshness, making this dish feel complete and well-rounded.
• Green onions: Perfect for garnish, adding color and a mild onion flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Ground pork: If you don’t have chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground pork for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable broth: If you’re avoiding soy or want a milder sauce, you can swap the soy sauce for vegetable broth.
• Cashew butter: If you’re out of whole cashews, try using cashew butter to bring the same nutty flavor to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a glass jar, combine hoisin sauce, tamari, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha. Shake well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, combine the ground chicken, cornstarch, paprika, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the chicken into small pieces. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes.
- Add flavor: Add the butter, garlic, and fresh ginger to the pan with the chicken. Stir for 2 minutes, allowing the butter to brown and the chicken to crisp up slightly.
- Add cashews and sauce: Toss in the cashews, followed by 2/3 of the sauce you prepared earlier. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is well-coated.
- Add the veggies: Toss in the broccoli and pickled ginger. Let the broccoli cook for another 2–5 minutes until it becomes tender.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken and broccoli over steamed rice. Drizzle with the remaining sauce, and top with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy your quick and flavorful dinner!
Tips & Tricks For 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit the chili flakes.
• Get crispy chicken: The key to achieving a crispy texture is allowing the butter to brown before adding the sauce. This gives the chicken a caramelized finish.
• Make it a full meal: You can serve this dish with other veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots for added crunch and nutrition.
• Leftover storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep the chicken crispy.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, which soaks up the rich sauce. You can also serve it with noodles for a comforting twist. If you want to add more flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra hoisin sauce on top.
For a spicier version, try adding more sriracha or some fresh chopped chilies to the sauce. You can also make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and checking that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
Health Benefits of 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it also provides essential nutrients. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, while cashews offer heart-healthy fats and vitamins. The addition of broccoli boosts the dish with fiber and antioxidants, making it a well-balanced meal. Plus, this dish is free from deep frying, which makes it healthier than typical takeout versions.
Enjoy this 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken as a quick and delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something to brighten up your weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered!
Conclusion
In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish that’s both quick and flavorful with this 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken. The combination of crispy chicken, buttery sauce, and crunchy cashews creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or looking for something to impress your guests, this easy recipe is a winner. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this garlic butter cashew chicken is destined to become a go-to dinner in your recipe collection.
FAQ About 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of ground chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of ground chicken. Simply cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. However, keep in mind that using ground chicken helps to cook the dish quickly and allows for a crispy texture. If using chicken breasts, be sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To make this 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken spicier, you can add extra sriracha or use fresh chilies like jalapeños or Thai bird’s eye chilies. If you prefer more heat, you can also increase the amount of chili flakes in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time. Cook the chicken, cashews, and sauce, then store the dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet and serve over fresh rice. It’s a great option for meal prep!
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20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and healthy dinner made with ground chicken, cashews, and a golden buttery sauce. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a comforting, restaurant-style meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup cashews, whole or chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
- 2 tbsp pickled ginger
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a glass jar, combine hoisin sauce, tamari, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha. Shake to mix well.
- In a large skillet, combine the ground chicken, cornstarch, paprika, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the chicken as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the butter, garlic, and fresh ginger to the skillet. Stir for about 2 minutes, allowing the butter to brown and the chicken to become crispy.
- Add the cashews and pour in 2/3 of the sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Toss in the broccoli and pickled ginger. Cook for another 2–5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Remove from heat and serve the chicken and broccoli over rice. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of sriracha or add fresh chilies.
- If you’re using chicken breasts instead of ground chicken, cut the breasts into small pieces and cook thoroughly.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet for best results.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 761 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1130 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
