Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe

This irresistible Spicy Cashew Chicken brings the beloved Cheesecake Factory classic right to your kitchen! Tender chunks of chicken are coated in a light, crispy batter, then tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce with crunchy cashews and fresh green onions. Ready in under an hour, this restaurant copycat delivers bold flavors that will transform your weeknight dinner routine into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breast: The star protein that becomes incredibly tender and juicy when properly battered and cooked. Boneless thighs work wonderfully too if you prefer darker meat.
• Rice flour: Creates that signature light, crispy coating that’s distinctly different from wheat flour batters. It’s what gives this dish its authentic restaurant texture.
• All-purpose flour: Added to the batter to provide structure while still maintaining the lightness from the rice flour.
• Hoisin sauce: The sweet, savory base of the sauce that provides rich depth of flavor and that beautiful glossy finish.
• Soy sauce: Brings essential umami and saltiness to balance the sweet elements in the sauce.
• Sherry wine: Adds complexity and a subtle tanginess that elevates the sauce beyond a basic stir-fry.
• Red wine vinegar: Provides brightness and acid to cut through the richness of the dish.
• Sriracha sauce: Delivers that signature heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Sugar: Balances the heat and acidity while helping the sauce caramelize slightly.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor that simply can’t be substituted.
• Cashews: Provide the essential crunch and nutty flavor that makes this dish so satisfying.
• Green onions: Add freshness, color, and a mild onion flavor that perfectly complements the rich sauce.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or pork for a delicious twist on the original. Tofu works especially well when extra-firm and pressed to remove excess moisture before battering.

Vegetable Additions

Turn this into a complete meal by adding bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli, or water chestnuts during the final cooking stage.

Nut Alternatives

If cashews aren’t your thing, try substituting peanuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts for varied texture and flavor.

Gluten-Free Version

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free for a completely gluten-free option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

How to Make Spicy Cashew Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Components

Start by mixing your seasoned rice flour ingredients in one bowl. In a separate bowl over ice, combine the batter ingredients, keeping it very cold. In a third bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Toss your chicken pieces in the seasoned rice flour until lightly coated. Transfer the coated chicken to the cold batter, gently combining until each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

Heat the canola oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the battered chicken pieces, cooking for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to separate any pieces that stick together.

Step 4: Sauce it Up

Once all chicken is crispy, add the prepared sauce and cashews to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece of chicken gets evenly coated with that glossy, spicy sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Add the green onions and toss for another 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped parsley, and some crushed cashews for extra texture and visual appeal.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this spicy cashew chicken over steamed jasmine rice to soak up that delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a bed of steamed vegetables.

Complete the Meal

Add a side of simple steamed broccoli or a crisp Asian slaw to balance the rich flavors. A few vegetable spring rolls or crispy wontons would make this a complete takeout-style feast.

Presentation

For restaurant-style presentation, serve in a large shallow bowl or plate, garnish with extra green onions cut on a bias, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a few whole cashews on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making delicious next-day leftovers.

Freezing

While the sauce freezes well, the battered chicken is best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze leftovers, be aware the texture of the coating will change upon thawing and reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwave to help restore some crispiness to the chicken. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Cashew Chicken recipe brings the magic of The Cheesecake Factory right to your dinner table. The combination of crispy chicken, crunchy cashews, and that irresistible sweet-spicy sauce creates a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t be intimidated by the multiple components—once you’ve made this once, you’ll find it comes together quickly for an extraordinary weeknight dinner that might just become your new signature dish!

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