Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe comes together quickly and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The garlic butter sauce is rich and comforting, while the cashews add a satisfying crunch. It’s versatile, easy to customize with vegetables, and perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breast or chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
salt
black pepper
cornstarch
olive oil or vegetable oil
butter
garlic cloves (minced)
soy sauce
honey
chicken broth
cashews (roasted or raw)
green onions (sliced)

Directions

Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then toss lightly in cornstarch.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.

Stir in soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.

Add the cashews and cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3–4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes

Variations

You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a more complete meal. Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu if desired. For extra heat, add chili flakes or a splash of chili sauce. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but cooking fresh chicken gives the best texture and flavor.

What type of cashews should I use?

Roasted cashews add more flavor, but raw cashews work as well.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs are juicier and work very well.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat before serving.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and use medium-high heat for quick cooking.

Can I reduce the butter?

Yes, you can adjust the amount to your preference.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add spice if desired.

Conclusion

Garlic butter cashew chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich sauce, and crunchy cashews. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big taste with minimal effort, making it a great addition to your meal rotation.

Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken

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This garlic butter cashew chicken is a rich and savory dish with tender chicken coated in a buttery garlic sauce and finished with crunchy cashews.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan Fry
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• Chicken breast or chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Butter
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Chicken broth
• Cashews (roasted or raw)
• Green onions (sliced)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and black pepper, then toss with cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
6. Add cashews and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

Notes

• Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a complete meal.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
• Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness.
• Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg