Orange Cashew Chicken

A combination of cashew chicken and orange chicken, this orange cashew chicken is an easy chicken recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a meal prep. Chicken and cashew coated with a sweet and savory sesame-orange sauce, this recipe is full of bright flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 618kcal

Author Carmy

Ingredients

Orange-Sesame Sauce

1½ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
3 tablespoons minced garlic
¼ cup sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ to 1 orange zested

For The Chicken

2 tablespoons oil divided
1 pound chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoon cornstarch
3 green onion sliced, whites and light green parts separated from the dark green
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup raw cashews
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
toasted sesame oil optional

Instructions

In a saucepan, combine the orange juice and cornstarch. Then add the brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil, and bring it up to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce is just about to thicken* to your liking. Add the orange zest and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, coat the diced chicken thighs with cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Heat a large non-stick skillet with 1 tablespoon oil. Add the cornstarch-coated chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Set aside.
Add the other tablespoon of oil and add the green onion whites, minced garlic, and cashews. Saute for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the seared chicken and the orange sauce to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and the rest of the green onions. Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, if desired.

Video

Notes

Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools and when you add it to the chicken. So take the sauce off the heat just before it’s thickened to your liking.

Nutrition