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.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Instant Pot Cashew Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I've become a huge fan of the Instant Pot – it's a lifesaver! This Instant Pot Cashew Chicken recipe is my absolute go-to for weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and most importantly, incredibly flavorful. It tastes just as good, if not better, than anything I’d get from my favorite takeout place, but without the hefty price tag or the unhealthy amounts of sodium.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the amount of spice to your liking. If you're not a fan of red pepper flakes, leave them out entirely. Want to add some vegetables? Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas would all be delicious additions. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of nuts. Pecans or macadamia nuts could offer a unique twist on this classic dish. The possibilities are truly endless!
The Secret to Success: The Sauce!
The key to this recipe is the flavorful sauce. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced sweet and savory profile. The fresh ginger and garlic add a depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. And don't forget the cashews! They add a wonderful creamy texture and nutty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Beyond Weeknight Dinners
This Instant Pot Cashew Chicken isn't just for weeknights. It's also perfect for entertaining. It's easy enough to make for a casual gathering with friends, or elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Simply double or triple the recipe, and you'll have plenty to feed a crowd. Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or even a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy People:
One of the biggest advantages of using an Instant Pot is the time savings. The chicken cooks quickly and evenly, and the sauce thickens beautifully in just a few minutes. This means less time spent in the kitchen and more time to spend with family and friends. Here are some more tips to streamline the process even further:
- Prep Ahead: Chop the chicken and mince the garlic and ginger ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Double the Recipe: Make a larger batch on the weekend and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals during the week.
- Use Pre-Minced Garlic and Ginger: If you're short on time, pre-minced garlic and ginger from the grocery store are a convenient shortcut.
More Than Just a Meal – It’s a Feeling
This Instant Pot Cashew Chicken isn't just a recipe; it’s a symbol of comfort, convenience, and deliciousness. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time to enjoy a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. It's a recipe that helps me reconnect with my family around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter amidst the aroma of delicious, home-cooked food. Try it, and I’m confident it will become a new family favorite in your home too.
So ditch the takeout menus and give this Instant Pot Cashew Chicken recipe a try. You won't regret it!
