If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating restaurant-quality takeout in your own kitchen, get ready: Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe truly delivers. Imagine bite-sized crispy chicken pieces tossed in a glossy, punchy-sweet sauce, with silky bell peppers, crunchy roasted cashews, and a feisty hit of chili and ginger. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser with just the right balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors – perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Every bite bursts with bold flavors and different textures, making it completely irresistible and surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe is delightfully simple, and each one plays a starring role. The fresh vegetables add color and crunch, sauces pack in flavor, and those cashews? Irresistible. These basics are all you need to create a restaurant-worthy masterpiece you’ll crave again and again!
- Chicken breast: Lean and juicy, boneless skinless chicken breast cubes soak up the sauce and crisp up beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light, crunchy coating that’s essential for that signature texture.
- Salt and black pepper: A simple seasoning that lets the vibrant sauce and fresh veggies shine.
- Vegetable oil for frying: High smoke point oil helps get the chicken perfectly golden and crispy.
- Soy sauce: Delivers umami depth and the savory backbone of the dish.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky complexity to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness and heat with a splash of zingy acidity.
- Thai chili paste or sambal oelek: Adds just the right kick of heat; adjust to taste or substitute sriracha.
- Brown sugar: Brings out the caramel notes and helps the sauce thicken as it bubbles.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the whole stir-fry with irresistible fragrance.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Gives a peppery warm undertone and extra brightness.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash delivers nutty, toasty aroma that’s crucial to the finish.
- Red bell pepper (chopped): Adds color, juicy crunch, and a little sweetness.
- Green onions (sliced): Offer a gentle bite and pop of fresh flavor – keep some extra for garnish!
- Roasted cashews: The star crunch factor, lending richness and their own buttery sweetness.
- Sesame seeds and extra green onions: Finishing touches that add flavor, color, and a little flair.
How to Make Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken breast pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This step lays the foundation for the delicious crunch you expect in Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe. Be sure each piece is well-coated for even browning and extra flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Fry Until Crispy
Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Each batch needs just 3 to 4 minutes per side to develop that irresistible golden color and crispy crust. Once done, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Signature Sauce
While the chicken is sizzling away, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This magic mixture is the secret that makes Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe so addictive – bold, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors all in one.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Veggies & Cashews
Discard any extra oil from the pan so the stir fry isn’t greasy. Toss in the chopped red bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough to soften and brighten the flavor without losing that crunchy bite. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the entire sauce over. Add your sliced green onions and roasted cashews, giving everything a hearty toss to coat the chicken well.
Step 5: Bubble and Finish
Let the saucy chicken and veggies simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring gently. You want the sauce to bubble and thicken, glazing every piece of chicken and binding the flavors together beautifully. Serve your Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe hot, with rice, and don’t forget those generous garnishes.
How to Serve Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions is the cherry on top for this vibrant dish. These garnishes not only make the meal look restaurant-worthy, they also add a touch of crunch and a pop of fresh flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the classic choice, soaking up the savory sauce and balancing out the spice. For a lighter twist, try serving Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe with fluffy cauliflower rice or tucked inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb option.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have a little fun with your plating, pile the chicken high on a family-style platter, rimmed with sautéed snap peas or colorful veggies. Or serve it in mini takeout boxes for a playful, party-friendly touch that always wows guests. The vibrant color of the sauce and bell peppers means this dish basically presents itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to infuse its flavor, so leftovers are sometimes even tastier the next day – just hold off on garnishing until you’re ready to serve again.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions for later, let everything cool completely first. Divide into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, keep garnishes and extra green onions separate and add them after reheating for maximum freshness and crunch.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it back to its luscious, glossy state. Always stir gently to avoid breaking up those beautiful crispy chicken pieces.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the soy sauce and hoisin sauce for their gluten-free versions, and ensure your chili paste is also certified gluten-free. The dish maintains all its fantastic flavor and texture with these easy substitutions.
What’s the best substitute for Thai chili paste?
If you can’t find Thai chili paste or sambal oelek, sriracha works well, delivering both heat and a touch of sweetness. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For a super crispy crust, use the double-fry technique: after the first fry, let the chicken pieces drain, then fry them again briefly before tossing with sauce. This extra step gives you that signature crunch you find at your favorite restaurants.
Can I use a different nut instead of cashews?
Sure! While roasted cashews are classic, roasted peanuts or almonds make tasty alternatives, offering a similar crunch and nutty flavor. Just be sure they’re roasted and unsalted for best results.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe has a gentle heat that most people find pleasantly warming rather than fiery. Adjust the chili paste up or down to match your spice preference, or leave it out altogether if cooking for young kids or spice-averse guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making restaurant favorites at home, and this version of Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe guarantees rave reviews. It’s colorful, bold, and bursting with flavor – just the kind of meal that brings friends and family running to the table. Give it a try and bring those delicious, takeout-style vibes straight to your own kitchen!
Print
Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, then tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce with crunchy cashews and fresh vegetables. Serve this Asian-inspired dish over steamed rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Thai chili paste or sambal oelek
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green onions (sliced)
- 3/4 cup roasted cashews
- sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
- For the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, fry chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Stir Fry: Cook bell pepper, add chicken back to skillet, pour sauce, add green onions and cashews. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness.
- Adjust chili paste to control the heat level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
