Name: 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1/2 cup hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce; 1-2 tablespoons real maple syrup; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha; Black pepper and chili flakes, to taste; 3 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil); 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken; 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger; 1 cup cashews; 1/3 cup pickled ginger; 4 green onions, chopped

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If you are craving a dinner that is quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, the 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This dish masterfully blends crispy, buttery chicken with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, thanks to a homemade sauce packed with hoisin, maple syrup, and sriracha. Toss in crunchy cashews and fresh broccoli, and you’ve got a harmonious mix of textures and colors that’ll brighten up any weeknight meal without keeping you tied to the stove.

Ingredients You'll Need

This close-up photo shows a rich mixture of golden brown cooked ground meat and whole cashew nuts in a thick, glossy dark brown sauce. The meat has a slightly crumbly texture with crispy edges, while the cashews add a smooth, curved shape shining from the sauce. The sauce has small bubbles and a rich sheen, covering all the ingredients evenly, inside a dark cooking pan. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward but essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in crafting the dish's deep flavors, irresistible texture, and vibrant color. From the nutty richness of cashews to the punch of fresh garlic and ginger, every element enhances the final dish in its own unique way.

Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy base to the sauce, giving it that signature Asian flair.

Tamari or soy sauce: Provides a savory saltiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Real maple syrup: Offers a natural sweetness that deepens the flavor without overpowering.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to brighten the dish and cut through richness.

Sriracha: Brings just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
Black pepper and chili flakes: Sprinkle of spice that wakes up the palate.
Sesame oil (or olive oil): Adds a warm, nutty undertone crucial for stir-frying the chicken and aromatics.

Ground chicken: A lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Arrowroot powder or cornstarch: Used to lightly thicken the sauce and give the chicken a slight crispness.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a pop of color to the chicken.

Broccoli: Brings fresh green crunch and nutritional punch.
Salted butter: Infuses the dish with rich, golden flavor as it browns.
Garlic cloves, chopped: Essential for that irresistible, aromatic garlicky kick.
Fresh ginger, chopped: Adds warmth and a zesty brightness.
Cashews: Provide satisfying crunch and buttery nuttiness.
Pickled ginger: Offers a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness.

Green onions, chopped: For freshness and a mild oniony note in the finishing touch.

How to Make 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by combining the hoisin sauce, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, black pepper, and chili flakes in a glass jar or bowl. Mixing these flavors early lets them meld together, ensuring your sauce will be deliciously balanced and ready to transform the chicken during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Aromatics

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken along with the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), paprika, and a pinch of black pepper. Break the meat apart and cook until it turns golden brown and begins to crisp on the edges, about 5 minutes. The cornstarch here is your secret weapon for that slight crunch and a velvety coating for the sauce.

Step 3: Brown Butter, Garlic, Ginger, and Cashews

Push the chicken to one side and stir in the salted butter, chopped garlic, and fresh ginger. As the butter melts and starts to brown, stir in the cashews so they toast lightly and absorb all those rich, nutty flavors. This step adds layers of buttery aroma and crunch that will make the dish spectacular.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Vegetables

Pour two-thirds of the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and cook until it thickens slightly, coating everything with a glossy glaze. Then add the broccoli florets and pickled ginger. Let them simmer together for 2 to 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and vibrant green. This quick cooking keeps the veggies fresh while soaking them with flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the chicken, broccoli, and sauce over bowls of steamed rice. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top, then garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add a pop of color and extra freshness. You’re now ready to enjoy a meal that tastes like it took hours, but was done in just 20 minutes!

How to Serve 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken Recipe

A beige bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a fluffy texture, the middle layer has small pieces of dark brown cooked meat and roasted broccoli, and the top layer is golden cashew nuts and fresh green herb sprigs scattered on top. There are white sesame seeds sprinkled over the meat and vegetables, giving a shiny look. A silver fork with a piece of broccoli and rice is resting on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top is a simple way to add crunch, color, and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich butter and spicy sauce perfectly. Pickled ginger also acts as a bright palate cleanser between bites.

Side Dishes

This meal shines over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the luscious sauce beautifully. For added veggies, consider a side of sautéed snap peas or a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to keep the meal balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the garlic butter cashew chicken inside lettuce cups, letting the crisp greens contrast with the warm, buttery chicken. Alternatively, try it over a bowl of cauliflower rice for a low-carb spin that still boasts all the satisfying flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken will remain tender while the sauce becomes even more deeply infused as it rests.

Freezing

If you want to save the dish longer, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of broccoli might soften upon thawing, so consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the vegetables if you want to maintain freshness.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave with a splash of water to keep things moist. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and preserve the buttery, garlicky notes without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Just dice chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure the pieces cook through and get that lovely sear.

Is this recipe spicy?

The sriracha and chili flakes give it a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less according to your taste.

Can I substitute cashews for another nut?

Yes, you can try almonds or peanuts, but cashews provide the creamiest texture and mildest flavor that works best with the buttery sauce.

What if I don’t have arrowroot powder or cornstarch?

You can skip it, but keep in mind the sauce won’t thicken quite as much and the chicken may be less crispy. Alternatively, a small amount of flour can work in a pinch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Otherwise, standard soy sauce and hoisin typically contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a dish that combines incredible flavor with speedy prep and cook time, and the 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken Recipe delivers just that. It’s comforting yet fresh, crunchy yet buttery, and spicy yet sweet — all wrapped up in one delightful meal. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your own and share it with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a permanent staple in your dinner rotation!

20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need