Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken

Craving a dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bite? Look no further than the Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe!

This popular Cheesecake Factory menu item features tender pieces of chicken coated in a crispy, flavorful batter, tossed in a bold and tangy sauce with a touch of heat from spicy cashews.

Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, this dish is a taste sensation that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

If you love easy chicken recipes try my recipe for ninja foodi honey garlic chicken bites, cracker barrel sunday homestyle chicken, or ninja foodi chicken fajitas.

What Is Spicy Cashew Chicken Cheesecake Factory Recipe?

The Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken is a popular dish known for its bold flavors and satisfying texture. This dish features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce, garnished with cashews and green onions.

Ingredients Needed For Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make the Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe at home.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces, serving as the main protein component for the dish.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly crunchy texture, enhancing the flavor and providing a vibrant color to the dish.
• Onion: Contributes a savory and aromatic element, balancing the sweet and spicy flavors of the sauce.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs are used to help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken pieces, creating a crispy coating when fried.
• Cashews: Toasted cashews add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spicy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken pieces, giving them a crispy texture when fried.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami base for the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, balancing the spicy and tangy elements.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce, giving it a nice balance.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce, enhancing its complexity.
• Ginger: Fresh grated ginger contributes a spicy, zesty flavor that pairs well with the garlic and other sauce ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat to the dish, making it pleasantly spicy.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions are used as a garnish, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

How To Make Spicy Chicken Cashew Cheesecake Factory Recipe

Here are the simple steps to make this copycat cashew chicken recipe:

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them in cornstarch, toss well to coat. Dip the coated chicken into beaten eggs.

Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying them lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. Set cook time for for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F.

Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Over low-medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer. In a small bowl, prepare the cornstarch slurry, by adding cornstarch and water, and mix well, until the mixture is smooth. Slowly, add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.

Cook the Vegetables: In a large saucepan or skillet, sauté the bell pepper and onion until tender.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the air-fried chicken and cashews to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly.

Pro Tips Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger provide a more vibrant and aromatic taste compared to pre-minced or powdered versions.
• Toast the Cashews: Toasting the cashews before adding them to the dish deepens their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown.
• Double the Sauce: If you prefer a saucier dish, double the sauce ingredients. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor, and you have extra sauce to drizzle over rice.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you like it spicier.
• Use a Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or a large skillet provides ample space for tossing the chicken, vegetables, and sauce together, ensuring even coating and cooking.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and cilantro for added freshness and a pop of color. This enhances the visual appeal and flavor of the dish.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the dish immediately after cooking. The crispy chicken and fresh vegetables are most enjoyable right after preparation.
• Pair with Steamed Rice: Serve the Spicy Cashew Chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce. The rice complements the flavors and adds a satisfying base to the dish.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and evenly, ensuring tender and juicy chicken pieces.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use raw chicken and fry it fresh to achieve the crispy texture that’s characteristic of the dish. Pre-cooked chicken won’t give the same results.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level. Start with a smaller amount and add more according to your preference. You can also include or omit the pepper flakes entirely for a milder version.

What can I use as a substitute for hoisin sauce? If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a splash of vinegar. This mixture will mimic the sweet and savory flavor of hoisin sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? While the sauce and vegetable prep can be done ahead of time, it’s best to fry the chicken and combine everything just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.

What should I serve with Spicy Cashew Chicken? This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad.

How do I toast the cashews? Toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews? Yes, you can substitute cashews with other nuts like almonds or peanuts. Ensure they are unsalted and toasted for the best flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Also, ensure that the cornstarch you use is certified gluten-free.

More Easy Copycat Recipes

• cracker barrel carrot recipe
• cracker barrel cinnamon roll pie
• air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese
• broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat)
• air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel fried apples
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders

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