Chinese Orange Barbecue Cashew Chicken

Discover the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with this Chinese Orange Barbecue Cashew Chicken recipe. Tender, golden-brown chicken bites are tossed in a glossy, tangy sauce made from freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and a touch of smoky barbecue sauce. Crunchy toasted cashews add an irresistible texture, while a hint of ginger, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes elevate the flavor profile. This 20-minute, one-pan dish is effortlessly served over fluffy white rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a stunning restaurant-style finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or a quick upgrade to your takeout favorites, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of Asian-inspired cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup unsalted cashews
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 green onions (sliced thinly)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 4 cups cooked white rice (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and toss them in a bowl with the cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 2

In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cashews and toast them for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan. Add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the orange juice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, barbecue sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.

Step 6

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.

Step 7

Mix in the toasted cashews and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.

Step 8

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately over cooked white rice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2295.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4018.1

Total Fat 135.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 34.3g
Cholesterol 579.3mg	0%
Sodium 3306.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 433.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.6g	0%
Total Sugars 88.9g
Protein 268.3g	0%

Vitamin D 88.5IU	0%
Calcium 398.4mg	0%
Iron 29.1mg	0%
Potassium 3781.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.2%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 43.1%