Best 2 Chef Johns Cashew Chicken Recipes
**Chef John's Cashew Chicken: A Delightful Culinary Adventure**
Chef John's Cashew Chicken is a tantalizing dish that blends the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine with the convenience of a quick and easy weeknight meal. This delectable dish features tender chicken coated in a luscious sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey, all complemented by the crunchy texture of roasted cashews. The article provides two irresistible variations of this classic recipe, each offering a unique twist to cater to diverse taste preferences. The first recipe presents the traditional method of cooking cashew chicken in a skillet, while the second recipe introduces an innovative air fryer version that yields a healthier and equally crispy result. Both recipes are meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring culinary success even for novice cooks. Embark on this flavorful journey and discover the secrets to creating an exceptional Chef John's Cashew Chicken that will become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
CREAMY CASHEW CHICKEN CURRY
Mooove over, real cream - this curry is made rich and creamy with (cow-free) cashew cream, which is remarkably similar to heavy cream in appearance, taste, and in-sauce behavior. In fact, cashew cream actually thickens up faster. You won't need anything too exotic, besides maybe garam masala, to make this straightforward recipe. Garnish with whole cashews, lime wedges, and cilantro. Serve with rice, garlic naan, or both!
Provided by Chef John
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Indian
Time 4h50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Mix salt, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, turmeric, and garam masala together in a small bowl.
- Cut a chicken thigh in half lengthwise along the crease. Halve the thicker portion to end up with three 2-inch pieces. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs.
- Transfer chicken to a bowl. Add oil and about 1/2 of the spice blend; mix thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for 4 to 12 hours.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over high heat until melted and golden brown. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Return chicken and accumulated juices to the bowl.
- Heat remaining butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, remaining spice blend, tomato paste, garlic, and ginger. Cook and stir until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices.
- Combine water and cashews in a blender; blend on high speed until very smooth. Stir cashew cream into the pan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until flavors blend, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in green onions and cilantro; taste for seasoning. Squeeze in lime juice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 287.4 calories, Carbohydrate 9.4 g, Cholesterol 76.8 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 823.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
CHEF JOHN'S CASHEW CHICKEN
This is a fantastic way to use up some leftover grilled chicken breasts. This will work with any kind of cooked chicken, but leftover grilled chicken has that little bit of smokiness that adds something special to this quick recipe. Serve over hot cooked rice.
Provided by Chef John
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian
Time 30m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Season chicken cubes with salt and black pepper.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl until smooth; whisk in lemon juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chile pepper sauce into cornstarch mixture, stirring until brown sugar has dissolved and cornstarch is free of lumps.
- Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat; pour in vegetable oil. Add slices of red chili and ginger to the hot oil. Cook, stirring often, until oil is flavored, about 2 minutes. Stir in cashews and garlic; cook until cashews are lightly golden brown, about 2 minutes more.
- Lightly toss seasoned chicken cubes with cashew mixture in skillet until combined, about 30 seconds. Turn heat down to medium-low and pour cornstarch mixture into skillet. Stir constantly until sauce has thickened, about 30 seconds. If too thick, add a splash of water. Simmer 2 more minutes to heat the chicken through. Adjust levels of salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and chile pepper sauce to taste. Stir in cilantro just until wilted, about 15 seconds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 539 calories, Carbohydrate 30.4 g, Cholesterol 73.1 mg, Fat 32.9 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 33.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 828.8 mg, Sugar 12.1 g
Tips:
- Use a large skillet or wok: This will help to ensure that the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and that there is enough space for all of the ingredients.
- Cut the chicken into small pieces: This will help it to cook quickly and evenly.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, flavor, and texture to the dish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you do, the chicken and vegetables will not cook evenly.
- Cook the chicken until it is cooked through: This is important to prevent foodborne illness.
- Add the sauce and cashews at the end of cooking: This will help to prevent the sauce from burning and the cashews from becoming too soft.
- Serve over rice: This is a traditional way to serve cashew chicken, and it helps to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion:
Chef John's cashew chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give Chef John's cashew chicken a try.
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