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.

20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken – Easy Dinner Recipe

Name: 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
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

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

Scale

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

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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