Go Back

Baked Cashew Chicken with Orange Zest

This baked cashew chicken dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in the oven until juicy, combined with crunchy toasted cashews and brightened with fresh orange zest. The dish displays a golden-brown exterior with a moist interior, accompanied by aromatic flavors and varied textures that make it both comforting and refreshing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup raw cashews whole, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for tossing
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 orange orange zested
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Equipment

  • Baking dish or sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef’s knife
  • Zester or microplane
  • Cooking spray or oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the chicken evenly on the prepared baking dish, creating space between pieces for even baking.
  4. Place the cashews on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  5. While the chicken and cashews are baking, zest the orange directly over a small bowl, capturing the bright citrus aroma.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and the freshly grated orange zest to create a vibrant sauce mixture.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven after 15-20 minutes, once it appears cooked through and slightly golden at the edges.
  8. Pour the prepared orange-citrus sauce over the hot chicken in the baking dish, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  9. Add the toasted cashews on top, pressing them lightly into the chicken for a final crunch.
  10. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cashews to stay crunchy.
  11. Once baked, remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with extra orange zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For added freshness, serve over steamed rice or garnished with chopped green onions.