Looking for a fast and flavorful dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout but comes together in a single pan? This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is the answer. Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is packed with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors — perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food without the guilt. With buttery caramelized chicken, crunchy cashews, and a bold sauce that coats every bite, this dish is a family-friendly winner you’ll come back to again and again.
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What Makes This Cashew Chicken a Must-Try Weeknight Meal
This garlic butter cashew chicken isn’t just quick — it’s also loaded with color, texture, and umami. Unlike traditional cashew chicken that requires deep frying, this healthier version uses ground chicken to cut prep time and calories. The sweet-spicy hoisin-based sauce and the unique double-ginger flavor (fresh and pickled!) make it a standout. It’s great for spring or summer dinners, meal prep, or even a casual dinner party.
Ingredients That Bring Big Flavor Fast
• Ground Chicken: Quick-cooking and lean, it soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet, salty, and tangy base to the dish.
• Tamari or Soy Sauce: Deepens umami flavor and enhances savory notes.
• Maple Syrup: Offers natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings brightness and balance.
• Sriracha: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Black Pepper & Chili Flakes: Layered spice that wakes up the dish.
• Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch: Creates a crispy texture and thickens the sauce.
• Paprika: Adds mild heat and warmth to the chicken.
• Broccoli: Brings freshness and color; adds crunch and nutrients.
• Salted Butter: The secret to the deep, rich caramelized flavor.
• Garlic: Essential aromatic that boosts savory depth.
• Fresh Ginger: Offers a sharp, citrusy zing that brightens the dish.
• Pickled Ginger: Adds a sweet, tangy finish and unexpected twist.
• Cashews: Deliver crunch and creamy nutty richness.
• Green Onions: Add freshness and mild onion flavor to finish.
Smart Ingredient Swaps You Can Make
• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or pork work equally well if you’re out of chicken.
• Nut-Free Option: Use roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds instead of cashews.
• Vegan Twist: Crumbled tofu and plant-based butter make it meatless and dairy-free.
• Low-Sodium Need? Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
• No Pickled Ginger? Use extra fresh ginger plus a splash of rice vinegar.
Step-by-Step: How to Make 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
- Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl or jar, mix together hoisin sauce, tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha. Set aside. - Cook the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken, arrowroot (or cornstarch), paprika, and black pepper. Break the meat apart and cook until browned and crisp, about 5 minutes. - Add Butter and Aromatics
Stir in salted butter, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and cashews. Let the butter brown and caramelize around the meat — cook for 2 minutes. - Sauce It Up
Pour in two-thirds of the prepared sauce. Let it bubble and thicken, coating the chicken. - Toss in the Greens
Add broccoli and pickled ginger. Cook for another 2–5 minutes, until broccoli is tender but still crisp. - Finish and Serve
Spoon chicken and broccoli over hot rice. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Let the butter brown and caramelize — it adds richness you don’t want to miss.
• Use Ground Meat: Faster and easier than cubed chicken, and just as tasty.
• Fresh is Best: Fresh garlic and ginger bring the brightest flavors.
• Crispy Cashews: Toast them lightly for extra depth.
• Meal Prep Tip: Make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate — it lasts up to a week.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Soaks up every drop of sauce.
• Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb and still flavorful.
• Chili Crisp or Garlic Sauce: Adds more heat and umami if desired.
• Quick Pickled Veggies: Brings acidity and crunch to balance the richness.
• Sesame Noodles: For a fuller, takeout-style spread.
Fun Variations to Try
• Make it Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free tamari and hoisin.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Spicy Garlic Cashew Chicken: Increase sriracha and chili flakes.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Add a spoonful of peanut butter for a Thai-inspired version.
A Seasonal Favorite You’ll Crave Year-Round
With its vibrant broccoli, savory cashews, and deep gingery warmth, this dish is perfect for any season. It’s especially great in spring and summer when you crave something fast, fresh, and flavorful. The 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken brings everything you want in a weeknight meal — color, crunch, bold taste, and minimal cleanup.
Wrapping It Up: A Takeout-Style Dinner in Just 20 Minutes
If you’ve been looking for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that delivers big on comfort and ease, 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is it. With a blend of buttery richness, sweet heat, and the satisfying crunch of cashews, this recipe brings everything you love about takeout right to your own kitchen — in a healthier and faster way. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry household, it’s a reliable go-to that will win over even the pickiest eaters. Simple steps, bold flavors, and easy cleanup? That’s dinner done right.
Frequently Asked Questions About 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic butter cashew chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to avoid drying out the chicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also pre-cook the ground chicken and broccoli separately, then reheat everything together with the sauce when ready to serve. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option.
What can I use instead of cashews?
If you have a nut allergy or simply want a change, you can substitute the cashews with toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy chickpeas. These alternatives still provide a nice crunch and blend well with the savory garlic butter sauce.
More Relevant Recipes
- Healthy Orange Chicken: A sweet and tangy dish featuring juicy chicken pieces in a vibrant citrus sauce. This easy takeout-style recipe is light, flavorful, and perfect for fans of sweet-savory combinations like garlic butter cashew chicken.
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: For those who enjoy bold spices and rich sauces, this dish delivers creamy heat with a Southern twist. Similar to the garlic butter sauce, it packs big flavor with simple ingredients and quick cooking time.
- Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles: This noodle-based recipe pairs crispy garlic-infused chicken with slurp-worthy noodles, making it a savory, texture-rich alternative to rice bowls. A must-try if you loved the umami profile of garlic butter cashew chicken.
20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is a quick, delicious, and healthier take on a classic takeout dish. Juicy ground chicken is cooked in a rich, sweet-spicy garlic butter sauce with crunchy cashews and vibrant broccoli. Perfect for weeknights, this family-friendly recipe is bursting with bold flavors and can be served over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken: lean protein base
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: for sautéing and flavor
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch: for light coating and crisp texture
- 1 teaspoon paprika: adds warmth and color
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: for mild heat
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: adds richness and helps caramelize
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: deep savory flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: zesty kick
- 3/4 cup cashews: crunchy texture and nutty flavor
- 2 tablespoons pickled ginger, chopped: tangy-sweet accent
- 2 cups broccoli florets: for freshness, crunch, and nutrients
- 3 green onions, chopped: for garnish and mild onion flavor
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: optional garnish
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice: for serving
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: sweet and savory base
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce: salty umami flavor
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: natural sweetness
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: adds brightness
- 1 teaspoon sriracha: spicy kick
Instructions
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together hoisin sauce, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sriracha. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken, arrowroot powder, paprika, and black pepper. Cook while breaking up the chicken, about 5 minutes, until browned.
- Add butter, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and cashews. Sauté for 2 minutes until the butter browns and chicken is crispy.
- Pour in 2/3 of the sauce. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Add broccoli and pickled ginger to the skillet. Cook for another 2–5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but crisp.
- Serve the chicken and broccoli over steamed jasmine rice. Drizzle with remaining sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Toast cashews before using for added depth and crunch.
- Adjust sriracha for more or less heat based on preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if watching sodium intake.
- Pickled ginger adds a unique flavor twist — don’t skip it if possible.
- Use pre-chopped broccoli or frozen florets to save prep time.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 761
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg