Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Get ready for a real treat—if you’ve been craving a delicious balance of heat, crunch, and tang, look no further than the Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe. This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen, combining tender chicken, crisp veggies, buttery cashews, and a mouthwatering sauce that hits all the right notes. Every bite brings that irresistible sweet, salty, and spicy combo that keeps you reaching for just one more spoonful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe might look a bit long, but don’t be intimidated—each component brings something essential to the party. From velvety chicken to the glossy, flavor-packed sauce, every ingredient has an important role in delivering authentic taste and perfect texture.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- Cornstarch: Gives the chicken its signature crispy coating—don’t be tempted to skip this step!
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate every layer of flavor.
- Vegetable oil: The neutral base for stir-frying, keeping everything golden without overpowering the taste.
- Green onions: Brings a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion bite.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to balance the dish.
- Roasted unsalted cashews: Buttery crunch in every bite—toast them lightly for even more flavor.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled on top for a lovely, nutty finish and a bit of flair.
- Soy sauce: The rich, savory base that pulls the sauce together.
- Rice vinegar: A subtle tang that brightens every bite.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds depth and a gentle sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Rounds out the heat and balances the bold savory notes.
- Ketchup: Trust us—it amps up the sauce’s sweet-tangy punch.
- Chili garlic sauce or sriracha: For a feisty, customizable kick of heat.
- Sesame oil: Delivers a rich, toasty aroma that makes this dish sing.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for assertive, aromatic flavor.
- Ginger: Adds brightness and zing—use freshly grated for the best results.
- Water: Helps balance and thin the sauce to silky perfection.
- Cornstarch (for sauce): Thickens things up to that classic, glossy consistency.
How to Make Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start things off by tossing your chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This simple coating is the secret behind that delicious crunchy texture you remember from the restaurant version, ensuring every bite stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat up a couple tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok, then work in batches to brown the chicken. Don’t crowd the pan—let every piece get beautifully golden and crisp, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes total. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan (no need to clean it!), drizzle in the last spoonful of oil and toss in the green onions and red bell pepper. A quick two or three minute sauté is all you need for the veggies to stay vibrant and just a bit tender, infusing the oil with tons of flavor.
Step 4: Whisk and Simmer the Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth—soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, brown sugar, ketchup, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, water, and a touch of cornstarch. Pour this liquid gold into the skillet, letting it bubble for a couple minutes until thickened and glossy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan, add the cashews, and toss everything in the fragrant, spicy sauce. Let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the cashews soften just enough. Sprinkle over some optional sesame seeds for a pretty finishing touch, then serve it piping hot over steamed rice.
How to Serve Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and an extra handful of sliced green onions adds restaurant-worthy flair and a punch of fresh flavor. For added color, try a dusting of finely chopped cilantro or even a drizzle of chili oil—your plate will look irresistible!
Side Dishes
Pair Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe with a mound of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that scrumptious sauce. For something a bit more indulgent, fried rice or garlicky sautéed greens like bok choy or broccolini make fantastic sides that keep the meal feeling balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Try serving the spicy cashew chicken in lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held appetizer, or pile it over a bed of crunchy Asian slaw for a hearty salad with major personality. Little bowls on a party platter let guests help themselves and customize their toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe stores incredibly well—just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as crave-worthy for lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, let everything cool completely first. Store the chicken and sauce (without the cashews, if possible) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to two months. Add fresh cashews when reheating to keep their texture on point.
Reheating
Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover to prevent splattering and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
How spicy is Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe?
You control the heat! Use less chili garlic sauce for a mild version, or go bold for people who love a lingering tingle. The best part is everyone can customize, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs make a juicier, even more flavorful dish. Just trim the fat and cut into bite-sized pieces as directed—everything else stays the same.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
No hoisin? Mix together a little extra soy sauce, a dab of peanut butter, and a pinch of sugar for a similar sweet-salty profile. Or simply skip it—the sauce will still taste fantastic.
Is this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
If you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, plus gluten-free hoisin, this dish is gluten-free. It’s naturally dairy-free as written, so it easily fits a variety of diets!
Can I make Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe in advance for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Simply store individual portions with rice for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during the week—the sauce helps keep everything moist and flavorful for days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a way to bring restaurant magic home, Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. With bold flavors, easy steps, and plenty of flexibility, it’s the ideal dish for spicing up your dinner routine. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen too!
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Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Try this delicious copycat recipe for Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken at home! Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a flavorful sauce come together in this Asian-inspired stir-fry dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted unsalted cashews
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cook in oil until crispy. Set aside.
- Make the Stir-Fry: Cook green onions and bell pepper. Add sauce ingredients. Return chicken to skillet with cashews. Cook until heated through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Notes
- Adjust spice level to taste.
- Toast cashews for extra crunch.
- Best served with jasmine or fried rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American Restaurant Copycat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups with sauce (without rice)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
