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Baked Cashew Chicken

This dish features bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy, golden crust baked until crunchy. Tossed in a glossy, sweet soy glaze with toasted cashews, it combines tender meat with a nutty, caramelized exterior for a satisfying texture and flavor. The oven-baked method delivers a mess-free alternative to frying with an inviting aroma and crispy finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
  • 1 cup toasted cashews roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce plus extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons honey for glaze
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar optional, for extra flavor
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to coat and let marinate briefly while you prepare the coating.
  3. In a separate bowl, place the flour. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and toss the pieces in the flour until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  4. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they aren't touching to promote even crisping.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy around the edges, flipping halfway through for even browning.
  6. While the chicken bakes, mix the additional soy sauce with a little honey to create a glossy glaze to toss the cooked chicken in later.
  7. Once the chicken is baked and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the glaze mixture over the top, add the toasted cashews, and gently toss to coat evenly.
  8. Serve the baked cashew chicken hot, garnished with extra chopped cashews or green onions if desired, alongside rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

For extra crunch, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Adjust the glaze sweetness to taste by varying honey or soy sauce ratios. The dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.