Instant Pot Cashew Chicken

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Instant Pot Cashew Chicken is a delicious recipe originating from Springfield Missouri. In fact I first tried this cashew chicken recipe when I went to my friends house for dinner. Sara had moved from Missouri USA to the UK and her mother served up the most delicious cashew chicken Chinese meal. I loved it!

Served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, this Instant Pot cashew chicken is bursting with flavor thanks to the savory sauce and crunchy cashews.

This simple cashew chicken Instant Pot recipe is packed with flavor and is a quick and easy meal when made in the pressure cooker.

This perfectly cooked chicken and cashew sauce recipe is a real winner winner chicken dinner and is a fantastic one pot meal.

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What Is Cashew Chicken?

Cashew chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is made with chicken, cashews, and a savory sauce.

This Asian dinner cuisine can be served over rice or noodles, and it is typically prepared using an Instant Pot or wok for fast cooking.

Cashew chicken is also sometimes called “Chinese nut chicken” or “cashew wok.”

Where was Cashew Chicken Invented?

The origins of cashew chicken are somewhat disputed. Some claim that cashew chicken was first invented in Springfield, Missouri, while others say it originated in Guangzhou, China.

Springfield Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken was first served in 1963 by David Leong, a Chinese immigrant who opened a restaurant in Springfield, Missouri.

Leong’s cashew chicken quickly became popular, and today it is considered one of the most famous recipes from the state of Missouri.

Today, many variations of cashew chicken can be found around the world.

Regardless of where it originated, cashew chicken has become a favorite dish for many people due to its delicious flavor and hearty texture.

Cashew Chicken can be found at many Chinese restaurants and takeout locations around the world.

Is Cashew Chicken Healthy?

Cashew chicken is generally considered to be a healthy dish. It is made with lean protein and nutritious vegetables, as well as heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the cashews.

If you are looking for a delicious and easy meal that is packed with flavor, then look no further than this Instant Pot cashew chicken recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Instant Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful meal that can be made quickly in your Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, then this cashew chicken recipe is perfect for you.

This chicken and cashew sauce recipe features tender bites of chicken with a savory sauce that is loaded with flavor. And thanks to the pressure cooker, it only takes a few minutes to cook!

Instant Pot Cashew Chicken Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for your cashew chicken and the delicious cashew chicken sauce.

Ingredients: Cashew Chicken Sauce:

• 3 Tablespoons Of Hoisin Sauce
• 1/3 Cup Of Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Of Minced Garlic
• ½ Tablespoon Of White Rice Wine Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Of Olive Oil or Sesame Oil.
• 1 Cup Chicken Stock or Chicken Broth

Main Cashew Chicken Ingredients:

• 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
• 1 Teaspoon Of Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Of Pepper
• 1/2 Tablespoon Of Chili Powder
• 1 Cup Of Whole Roasted Cashews
• 1 Large Broccoli
• 8-10 Mini Sweet Peppers

How To Make Cashew Chicken In The Instant Pot

Here are the step-by-step instructions for Instant Pot Cashwer Chicken:

Step One: Combine Sauce Ingredients

In a bowl, combine hoisin, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, chicken broth and 2 teaspoons of olive oil or vegetable oil. Set aside.

Step Two: Turn On Saute Function

Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add the rest of the oil.

Step Three: Saute Chicken And Spices

Once the olive oil or vegetable oil is hot, add the chicken and spices. Stir to coat the chicken with the spices. Cook the chicken for 3 minutes to brown the outside.

Step Four: Add Sauce And Water

Add the sauce and 1/3 cup of water to the seasoned Chicken pieces.

Step Five: Pressure Cook Cashew Chicken

Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Set to pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

Step Six: Prepare Vegetables

While the cashew chicken cooks, chop the broccoli and peppers into bite-size pieces. Remove the seeds from the peppers. 

Step Seven: Quick Release Pressure

Release the pressure via quick release and remove the Instant Pot lid. Remove the chicken from the sauce to let it rest and prevent the chicken from breaking apart. 

Step Eight: Saute Cashews And Veggies

Add the cashews, broccoli, and peppers to the sauce in the Instant Pot and let the vegetables cook on Saute mode for 4 minutes. 

Step Nine: Add Chicken And Serve

Stir the chicken into the sauce and serve on rice.

Do I Have to Use Chicken Breasts For Instant Pot Cashew Chicken?

No, you can use chicken breasts in this recipe or you can switch out the skinless chicken breasts for chicken thighs or even organic chicken meat. Just be sure to coat whichever chicken meat you use in the spices before browning.

Can I Use Raw Cashews For Springfield Cashew Chicken?

There is some debate about whether you should use raw cashews or roasted cashews in a Springfield cashew chicken recipe.

Some people argue that the flavor and texture of raw cashews work best in this dish, while others say that roasted cashews have a more intense flavor that enhances the taste of the sauce.

This healthy cashew chicken recipe uses roasted cashews and they give the dish a great burst of flavor.

Best Veggies For Instant Pot Cashew Chicken

This specific recipe uses sweet peppers or bell peppers and broccoli, however, you can also use green onions, frozen veggies, snow peas and bok choy as these all pair great with the chicken pieces.

Can I Add Sesame Seeds?

Yes, you can absolutely add sesame seeds to your Instant Pot cashew chicken recipe.

Toasted sesame seeds will give the dish a wonderful nutty flavor and a bit of crunchy texture that is delicious. Just sprinkle them on top right before serving for best results.

Can I Add More Flavors To Cashew Chicken

Yes, some people like to add oyster sauce and fresh ginger to their Cashew chicken.

I like to prepare chicken as shown in the instructions above. If you want to add a spicy kick you can also add some red pepper flakes and a pinch of brown sugar.

Best Rice To Serve With Springfield Cashew Chicken

While plain rice is a great base for this dish, you can also serve it with brown rice, basmati rice or even cauliflower rice for a healthier option.

Experimenting with different types of grain and starch will give your cashew chicken recipe some variety.

Do I Have to Use the Instant Pot?

No, you do not have to use an Instant Pot for this Springfield Cashew Chicken recipe.

You can cook in a wok or over a regular stove top, although it will not be nearly as easy and the texture of the chicken might be different.

Using a pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot) is definitely faster than cooking over the stove or in a wok and results in a much more tender and flavorful chicken piece.

More Chicken Recipes With Cashew Nuts

In addition to this Springfield Cashew Chicken recipe for the pressure cooker, you’ll find cashew nuts in the following recipes.

There’s no need to visit your favorite Chinese restaurant anymore with these great dishes that can be made from home. With so much flavor these Asian recipes are sure to be big hits when cooked from home.

• Cashew Chicken Salad
• Thai Cashew Chicken
• Keto Cashew Chicken
• Copycat Spicy Cashew Chicken Cheesecake Factory Recipe

Sweet Peppers vs Bell Peppers Whats the Difference?

The main difference between sweet peppers and bell peppers is in the flavor. Sweet peppers have a milder, sweeter taste than bell peppers, which are slightly more bitter and have a spicier kick.

Another key difference is that sweet peppers are typically larger than bell peppers and can come in different shapes and colors, while bell peppers are typically all a similar size, shape, and color.

If you’re looking for something with a more subtle flavor, then sweet peppers may be the better choice for your Instant Pot cashew chicken recipe.

However, if you prefer a bit of heat and spice in your dish, then bell peppers may be the better option.

This is certainly an easy recipe and a great recipe to try at Asian food family night or a Pot luck night and would be absolutely delicious add to your evening meal.

Types of Soy Sauce You Can Use?

There are a number of different types of soy sauce that can be used in Instant Pot cashew chicken.

Some popular options include light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, gluten-free tamari, and keto-friendly coconut aminos.

Each type has its own distinct flavor profile and level of saltiness, so it’s important to choose the soy sauce that works best with your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ultimately, the type of soy sauce you use will depend on your individual preferences and what you have available in your kitchen.

So feel free to experiment with different types and see which one is your favorite to make sure this becomes a wonderful recipe you family can enjoy time and again and help those taste buds come alive.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Did you enjoy this fun Instant Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe? You may also love the following Instant Pot meals:

• The Best Instant Pot Paprika Beef Tips Recipe
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
• Salisbury Steak Recipe In the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Carrot Bisque Soup With Leek
• A Great Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Rice Recipe