Cashew Chicken — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

The move that separates this from dry takeout is velveting: a cornstarch-and-egg-white marinade that seals the chicken so it stays tender over high heat. Toast the cashews separately so they stay crunchy in the sauce.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 4 servings

Chicken breast

Velveting keeps lean breast juicy through a hot stir-fry.

1.25 lb

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Cashews

Toasted for crunch; almonds work if you swap in kind.

3/4 cup

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Soy sauce

The savory base of the sauce and the marinade.

3 tbsp

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Toasted sesame oil

A finishing drizzle for nutty aroma, not a cooking fat.

1 tsp

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Garlic & ginger

Minced aromatics that hit the hot oil first.

1 tbsp each

Garlic → Ginger →

Scallions

Cut into 1-inch batons and added at the end.

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Using chicken breast? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Air fryer

The Method

VelvetToss sliced chicken with egg white, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and a splash of soy; rest 20 minutes.
Toast nutsDry-toast cashews in the wok over medium until golden, about 3 minutes, then set aside.
SearStir-fry chicken in a screaming-hot wok until just opaque, about 3 minutes, then remove.
AromaticsFry garlic and ginger 20 seconds until fragrant, not brown.
FinishReturn chicken with the soy sauce mix, toss to coat, then fold in cashews, scallions, and sesame oil off heat.

The Toolkit

Wok · Wok spatula · Chef knife · Fine grater · Prep bowls

Straight Answers

Can you make Cashew Chicken in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Cashew Chicken? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Cashew Chicken ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Cashew Chicken gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Cashew Chicken vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.470

Cashew Chicken, and where to source it