Instant Pot Cashew Chicken
This cashew chicken is just as good as your favorite Chinese restaurant. It’s super easy and flavorful and it’s all made in the comfort of your own kitchen. The instant pot speeds up the process and helps get dinner on the table in minutes.
This cashew chicken is just as good as your favorite Chinese restaurant. It’s super easy and flavorful and it’s all made in the comfort of your own kitchen. The instant pot speeds up the process and helps get dinner on the table in minutes.
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- sliced green onions for garnish
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/8 tsp ground red pepper
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp minced ginger (fresh)
- 1/3 cup cashews
- Carbohydrate 14.4309019803264 g
- Cholesterol 131.5417873 mg
- Fat 8.15916496158762 g
- Fiber 0.528774777552939 g
- Protein 55.7873244826652 g
- Saturated Fat 1.80206404492767 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (280g)
- Sodium 1017.53247883553 mg
- Sugar 13.9021272027734 g
- Trans Fat 0.995632340025569 g
- Calories 364 calories
Step-by-step
- Use kitchen shears to cut all excess fat off the chicken thighs. Then cut the chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Place the chicken pieces in the Instant Pot.
- Add in the pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper. Stir to really coat the chicken with the sauce.
- Cover the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to "sealing." Set the manual timer to 8 minutes on high pressure.
- When the timer goes off, do a quick release.
- Once you can remove the lid, do so.
- In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water.
- Stir the slurry into the instant pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot to the saute function. The sauce will thicken in just a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the cashews.
- Serve chicken topped with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Instant Pot Cashew Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between early mornings, long workdays, and the never-ending demands of family life, the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I've become a huge fan of my Instant Pot – it's a lifesaver! This Instant Pot Cashew Chicken recipe is a perfect example of how this amazing appliance can transform a weeknight dinner from a stressful chore into a quick and satisfying experience. Forget takeout! This recipe is just as flavorful, if not more so, and it’s significantly healthier, allowing me to control the ingredients and avoid excessive sodium and unhealthy fats.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing the chicken to cook perfectly in just minutes. The result is tender, juicy chicken in a rich and savory sauce, studded with crunchy cashews. It's a complete meal in itself, needing little more than a side of steamed rice or some fluffy noodles to round it out. The vibrant sauce is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors – the brown sugar balances the soy sauce perfectly, while the vinegar adds a touch of brightness and tang. A hint of ginger and red pepper adds depth and a subtle kick, preventing the dish from being one-dimensional. I often find myself doubling the recipe, storing leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
This dish has become a regular fixture on our family dinner table. My kids adore it, and it's become my go-to recipe when I'm short on time but still want to serve a wholesome and delicious meal. The convenience and ease of preparation are truly unmatched. Beyond the weeknight appeal, this cashew chicken recipe is perfect for meal prepping. I often make a large batch on the weekend and portion it out into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. This saves me valuable time and energy during the hectic workweek, ensuring I always have a healthy and satisfying meal option on hand. The versatility is another key factor. Feel free to customize it to your liking. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level, add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or experiment with different nuts. The possibilities are endless! So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that will impress your family, give this Instant Pot Cashew Chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sriracha for extra heat.
- Add vegetables: Include broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas for added nutrition and texture.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or cashew butter for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Use different nuts: Substitute with almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile.
- Serve it over: Rice, noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!
