Instant Pot Cashew Chicken

Instant Pot Cashew Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that tastes as good as the take out kind.

Made with chicken breast, cashews, and veggies cooked in a savory sauce, this simple chicken recipe features the perfect balance of soft and crunchy elements as well as sweet and savory flavors.

What is cashew chicken?

Cashew chicken is an asian inspired dish featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce often made with hoisin sauce or soy sauce.

I like that you can make this chicken recipe in about a half hour!

Have you tried my recipe for 15 Minute Instant Pot Chow Mein

That chow mein recipe is another asian inspired meal idea that can be made at home in a pressure cooker. Both this recipe for cashew chicken and that recipe for chow mein would go nicely when served together.

To make this recipe you will need hoisin sauce.
You can find a selection of hoisin sauce here.

Why we love this instant pot chicken recipe.

This recipe takes about a half hour to make. That makes it quicker to get to you than most take out meals.

Here is what else we like about this recipe.

• This homemade cashew chicken has a great balance of flavors thanks to the sauce and the vegetables that are added to it.
• The whole cashews add the perfect crunch to this dish.
• Sweet peppers are added to this chicken dish for color, flavor, and a bit of texture.
• The sauce used in this recipe is made with just five simple ingredients.
• Cashew chicken goes great alone, over rice, on top of steamed vegetables, or as part of a wrap.
• Everyone seems to agree on this tasty chicken recipe.

Ingredients needed to make homemade chicken with cashews.

• Hoisin Sauce A salty and somewhat salty sauce that is the base of the sauce.
• Soy Sauce. A low sodium soy sauce can be used.
• Garlic. The garlic should be minced.
• White Wine Vinegar. A small amount is used to add an acidic balance to the flavors.
• Olive Oil. Used in the sauce and to cook the chicken in.
• Chicken. Breast is commonly used in this dish. Thighs can also be used if desired. The chicken should be cut into bite-sized (one to two inch) pieces.
• Chili Powder. Added for a bit of heat. This can be omitted if you are not a fan.
• Water. Chicken broth can alternatively be used for additional flavor.
• Cashews. Whole roasted cashews work best.
• Broccoli. Broken down into florets.
• Peppers. Mini sweet peppers that have the stems and seed removed before slicing. These add a wonderful color with a sweet flavor to this dish.
• Seasonings as desired. Salt and pepper was used in my chicken.

Tips for making the best cashew chicken in an instant pot.

Your chicken breast should be skinless and cut into bite sized pieces. This will help it cook quickly and evenly.

More helpful tips for you.

1. For additional flavor, you can add a bit of ground ginger (teaspoon or so) to this dish.
2. Additional vegetables can be added or substituted in this recipe. I like sliced onions or pea pods for example.
3. Mini sweet pepper were used in making my chicken. You can alternatively use a regular green pepper that has been sliced.
4. If your sauce seems to thick you can stir in a small amount (up to a tablespoon) of cornstarch that has been mixed with water.
5. Do you have to use cashews in this recipe? While this recipe is technically "cashew chicken" other nuts such as almonds or walnuts could also go nicely in this meal.
6. Cashew chicken can be served over rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

How to make Instant Pot Cashew Chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes .
Cook time: 22 minutes.
Servings : 4.

1. In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and two teaspoons of the oil. Then set this bowl aside.
2. To cook the chicken, set your instant pot to sauté and add the remaining oil to the pot. Once the oil has heated you can stir in the chicken along with the chili powder and any desired seasonings (such as salt and pepper). Make sure all of the chicken is coated with the oil and seasonings. Then cook the chicken until it has browned (about three minutes).
3. Meanwhile, add the water to the sauce that you made in the first bowl and whisk to combine. Once the chicken has browned you can add this to the chicken in the instant pot. Then close the instant pot lid and pressure valve, and then set to 'pressure cook' on high for five minutes.
4. When the ingredients are done, you can release pressure valve and remove lid. Carefully remove chicken from sauce and transfer it to a large bowl to let it rest and prevent it from breaking apart.
5. Next, add the cashews, broccoli and peppers to the instant pot and let the vegetables cook for four minutes.
6. When the vegetables are done cooking you can transfer them to the bowl with the chicken. Stir to combine the ingredients and serve.

Expert Tip👉 It is always best to refer to the manufacturers directions for operating any kind of pressure pot or instant pot.

How to store cashew chicken.

Once your cashew chicken has fully cooled it should be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored and refrigerated, this chicken should keep for up to a few days.

You may also be interested in these ideas.

• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Wraps
• Instant Pot Garlic Butter Knots
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Creamy Chicken With Mushrooms Pasta.
• Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup.
• Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) Parmesan Garlic Chicken

Print the recipe for Instant Pot Cashew Chicken

Instant Pot Cashew Chicken, a quick and delicious dinner recipe made with chicken breast, broccoli, and peppers in a pressure cooker.

Please see recipe post for further details on this recipe.