Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare? Meet the Instant Pot Honey Cashew Chicken—a mouthwatering Asian-inspired delight that combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a sweet-savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that rivals your favorite takeout, making it perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cubing chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and finely mincing garlic and ginger.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water to create a smooth sauce mixture.
- Turn Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and heat with a small amount of oil. Brown chicken cubes for 2-3 minutes until they start to develop a golden color.
- Pour the honey-soy sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Cancel sauté mode.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 5-6 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure by carefully turning the valve.
- Open lid and stir in cashews, allowing them to warm through the hot sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time during the cooking process, cube the chicken and mince the garlic and ginger ahead of time. You can even mix the sauce ingredients and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Browning the chicken first adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish, making it richer and more satisfying.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute with a sugar alternative. Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken to find your perfect balance.
- Cashew Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider toasting the cashews in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the dish. This will enhance their flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Honey Cashew Chicken over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish with extra green onions for a pop of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
