20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken – Quick, Flavorful & Healthy Recipe

Are you looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that packs a punch in taste and nutritional value? Look no further than 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken! This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also combines a medley of delicious flavors—garlic, butter, cashews, and a tangy sauce that will leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re in a rush or just craving something hearty, this recipe is a perfect fit for busy evenings.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken, the health benefits of the ingredients, and why this dish is a great choice for dinner. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you have everything you need to make this recipe at home!

Why You Should Try Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken

We all know how difficult it can be to prepare a healthy meal that tastes amazing in a short amount of time. 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken solves that problem beautifully. This dish is packed with proteins from ground chicken and cashews, healthy fats from butter and sesame oil, and plenty of vitamins from broccoli. The delicious sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and maple syrup adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, the cashews bring a satisfying crunch to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

This recipe is versatile and adaptable to different tastes. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether you prefer more heat with extra sriracha or a milder version for the kids. Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is perfect for meal prepping too, as it can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed throughout the week!

Benefits of the Ingredients in 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of the key ingredients in this dish:

• Ground Chicken: A lean source of protein that’s low in fat, helping to build and repair muscles while promoting satiety.
• Cashews: Rich in healthy fats, cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, copper, and manganese, promoting heart health and boosting metabolism.
• Broccoli: A nutrient powerhouse, broccoli is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, supporting immune function, digestion, and overall wellness.
• Ginger and Garlic: Known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, both ginger and garlic help improve digestion and can contribute to a healthy immune system.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor while providing beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener packed with manganese and zinc, supporting immune health and providing energy.

When combined, these ingredients provide a balanced meal that not only tastes great but also offers numerous health benefits, making 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken a smart choice for any meal.

Step-by-Step Recipe for 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken

Now that we know why this dish is such a winner, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons pickled ginger, chopped (optional)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Steamed rice, for serving

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sauce

Start by making the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, black pepper, red chili flakes (if you’re using them), and sesame oil. This sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce will coat the chicken and vegetables, giving them a rich and delicious flavor. Set the sauce aside while you cook the chicken and vegetables.

2. Cook the Chicken

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Once the butter is melted, add the ground chicken, cornstarch, and paprika to the skillet. Cook the chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The cornstarch helps the chicken absorb the flavors of the sauce better, while also adding a slight crispiness to the meat.

3. Add Aromatics and Cashews

Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Adding the garlic and ginger at this stage ensures they become aromatic, adding layers of flavor to the dish. Afterward, toss in the raw cashews and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the nuts to toast slightly and release their natural oils.

4. Incorporate Broccoli and Sauce

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring that the sauce coats everything evenly. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. The sauce will help soften the broccoli and infuse it with its sweet and savory flavors.

5. Finish and Serve

If you’re using pickled ginger, stir it into the skillet once the broccoli is cooked. This adds an additional layer of flavor with a hint of tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce.

Finally, remove the skillet from heat and garnish the garlic butter cashew chicken with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve the dish over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

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Why You’ll Love This 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a fast, flavorful, and healthy dinner. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Quick and Easy: The whole dish is ready in 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you don’t have much time to cook.
2. Balanced Meal: It combines protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal.
3. Flexible: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha or red chili flakes.
4. Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for the entire family.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: You can make this in advance and store it in the fridge for several days. The flavors only get better as it sits!

FAQs About 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with chicken breasts. Simply dice the chicken breasts into small pieces and follow the same cooking instructions. If you prefer, you can also use ground turkey for a leaner option.

2. Can I make this dish without cashews?

If you have a nut allergy or just don’t enjoy cashews, you can replace them with toasted sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or simply omit them altogether.

3. Is there a way to make the dish spicier?

Definitely! If you like your dishes with more heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha and red chili flakes in the sauce. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped fresh chilies for an extra kick.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand and drain any excess water. This will ensure the broccoli doesn’t release too much moisture into the skillet while cooking.

5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make 20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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Conclusion

20-Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option that is perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich, tangy sauce, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. The best part? You can have it on the table in just 20 minutes, making it a convenient meal for anyone on the go. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe will never disappoint. Try it today and discover just how easy it is to make a delicious and nutritious meal in no time!

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