Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is a dish that brings together the tantalizing flavors of savory garlic, rich butter, and crunchy cashews in one delightful bite. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you sauté tender chicken pieces, each one coated in a luscious garlic-infused sauce that promises to make your taste buds dance.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends. It’s the kind of meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure, all while being easy enough to whip up after a long day. You’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating the moment when you can dig in and savor every mouthful.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
- This incredible Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
One memorable night, I served Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken at a family gathering, and let me tell you, the compliments kept rolling in faster than I could serve seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning.
- Cashews: Opt for roasted cashews for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
- Honey: This adds a lovely sweetness that balances out the savory notes beautifully.
- Green Onions: These add freshness and color to your dish; use them generously!
- Cornstarch: A sprinkle of cornstarch helps to thicken your sauce nicely.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop garlic finely and slice green onions while measuring out your cashews and chicken. This makes cooking smoother and quicker.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
Add Garlic and Cashews: Toss in minced garlic and roasted cashews into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything around until you smell that heavenly garlic aroma filling your kitchen.
Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over your chicken and nuts in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Simmer Until Thickened: Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes or until you notice the sauce thickening beautifully around your chicken and nuts.
Finish with Green Onions and Remaining Butter : Finally, stir in remaining butter and green onions just before serving. This adds an extra layer of richness along with vibrant color.
Now that you’ve successfully made Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken from scratch, prepare yourself for some serious flavor magic! The combination of crunchy cashews with tender chicken enveloped in that delectable garlic butter sauce is nothing short of extraordinary.
Serve this dish over steamed rice or alongside some crispy vegetables for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress anyone at your table!
You Must Know About Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
- This showstopping Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then prepare the garlic butter sauce while it cooks. This way, everything comes together seamlessly for that perfect bite.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cashews for peanuts or add broccoli for a colorful crunch. Get creative with spices like smoked paprika or ginger for extra flavor twists.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
- This professional-quality Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
Sharing this delicious recipe with my friends always ignites laughter and compliments—a testament to how good food brings people together!
FAQ
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken?
Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken dairy-free, simply substitute regular butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. You’ll still get that rich flavor without any dairy involved!
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. However, boneless, skinless breasts will work too if you prefer leaner meat—just be careful not to overcook them!
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is quite mild in Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken, making it family-friendly. If you prefer a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers while cooking; adjust according to your heat tolerance!
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s easy enough for weeknight meals yet impressive enough for special occasions. With simple steps and customizable options, it’s a recipe that invites creativity in your kitchen while ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. Try it out soon—you won’t regret it!
Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly combines tender chicken, savory garlic, creamy butter, and crunchy cashews. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal that’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The rich flavors and delightful textures create a culinary experience that will leave everyone wanting more. Serve it over rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a satisfying and colorful plate.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup roasted cashews
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- 1. Prep all ingredients: mince garlic and slice green onions.
- 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add seasoned chicken breasts; cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side).
- 3. Add minced garlic and cashews to the skillet; stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- 4. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl. Pour over chicken and cashews; stir to combine.
- 5. Let simmer for about 5 minutes or until sauce thickens.
- 6. Stir in remaining butter and green onions just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
