Crispy Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe: A Cheesecake Factory Gem

My recent culinary adventure with cheesecake factory’s spicy cashew chicken sparked an unexpected kitchen revelation.

Wandering through memories of restaurant dinners, I realized recreating this beloved dish could be surprisingly simple.

Bold flavors dance across my taste buds whenever I think about this classic recipe.

Restaurant-quality meals emerge from home kitchens with just a few strategic ingredients and techniques.

Small tweaks can turn ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience worth sharing.

Crispy, tender pieces coated in a vibrant sauce promise to make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Why settle for takeout when you can craft something more delicious right in your own kitchen?

FAQs

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Chicken thighs or breasts are ideal. Boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces will provide the most tender and consistent results for this spicy dish.

• How spicy is this Cheesecake Factory copycat recipe?

The recipe offers a medium heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the sauce mixture. For more heat, add extra chili sauce or red pepper flakes.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the seasoned rice flour helps make this naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your other ingredients like soy sauce are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

• Is deep frying necessary for this recipe?

Deep frying creates the crispy texture, but you can alternatively pan-fry or air fry the chicken pieces. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and gets a golden brown exterior.

Why Spicy Cashew Chicken Is a Copycat Favorite

Spice Up Your Kitchen Adventure: Dive into this Copycat Chicken Delight

• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Perfect for home cooks wanting to master restaurant-style dishes without advanced culinary skills. No professional training needed to create this delicious meal.
• Quick and Convenient Meal: Delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just a few simple steps. Prepare everything from scratch with readily available ingredients found in most kitchen pantries.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with exciting flavors that appeal to both kids and adults. Crispy chicken, spicy sauce, and crunchy cashews make this a guaranteed hit for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Restaurant-Inspired Satisfaction: Recreate the famous Cheesecake Factory experience right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the thrill of making a popular restaurant dish that tastes just like the original, without the hefty restaurant bill.

Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat for the main protein.
• Seasoned Rice Flour: Light coating for crispy texture.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a crisp exterior.

• Eggs: Binding agent for coating.
• Milk: Helps create smooth batter consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Soy Sauce: Provides rich, savory base.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps thicken sauce.
• Sriracha Sauce: Brings spicy kick.

• Green Onions: Fresh, sharp flavor.
• Cashews: Crunchy nutty element.
• Sesame Seeds: Subtle nutty garnish.

• Canola Oil: Neutral oil for frying.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth to seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for color and light flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Spicy Cashew Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Coating

Mix rice flour with your preferred seasonings in a large mixing bowl.

Blend the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.

Step 2: Create Crispy Batter

Whisk the batter ingredients in a chilled bowl set over ice.

Keep the mixture cold to achieve a light and crispy texture when frying.

Step 3: Develop Flavorful Sauce

Whisk all sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until completely combined.

Ensure no lumps remain for a smooth and consistent sauce.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

• Chicken
• Seasoned flour mixture

Toss chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, making sure each piece is evenly and completely covered.

Step 5: Dip in Batter

Dunk the flour-coated chicken into the cold batter, allowing excess to drip off.

Ensure a light, even coating on each piece.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat canola oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

Carefully place battered chicken pieces into the hot oil.

Step 7: Cook and Crisp

Fry chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Gently separate any pieces that stick together during cooking.

Step 8: Create Final Dish

• Cooked chicken
• Prepared sauce
• Cashews
• Green onions

Add sauce, cashews, and green onions to the pan with crispy chicken.

Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 9: Simmer and Thicken

Allow the mixture to cook for 30-60 seconds, letting the sauce thicken and coat the chicken completely.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped parsley
• Crushed cashews

Sprinkle garnishes over the dish for added texture and visual appeal.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Saucy and Crispy Cashew Chicken

• Ensure even seasoning by gently tossing chicken in seasoned flour, avoiding clumps for a crispy, consistent texture.
• Keep canola oil at medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown, crispy chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Toss chicken in sauce briefly to let it thicken and coat evenly, preventing a watery or dry final dish.
• Break apart chicken pieces immediately in the pan to avoid clumping and ensure each piece gets crispy and well-cooked.
• Sprinkle crushed cashews and sesame seeds right before serving to add a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.

Storing and Reheating Spicy Chicken Just Right

• Store leftover spicy cashew chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
• Consume within 2 days for the best flavor and texture, as the crispy chicken will soften over time.

Sides That Match Spicy Cashew Chicken

• Complementary Beverage Pairing: Crisp off-dry Riesling that balances the dish's spicy heat with subtle sweetness and refreshing acidity.
• Texture-Enhancing Side Dish: Steamed jasmine rice with light butter to absorb the rich sauce and provide a neutral backdrop for the chicken's bold flavors.
• Cooling Accompaniment: Fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing to counteract the spiciness and add a crisp, clean element to the meal.
• Flavor-Balancing Condiment: Chopped fresh cilantro sprinkled on top to brighten the dish with herbal notes and add a fresh, zesty dimension.

Ways to Switch Up Spicy Cashew Chicken

• Gluten-Free Cashew Chicken: Replace wheat-based flour with gluten-free rice flour or almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Substitute rice flour with coconut flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the same spicy cashew sauce and crispy coating technique.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Eliminate cashews and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for individuals with nut allergies while preserving the original recipe's flavor profile.

Cheesecake Factorys Spicy Cashew Chicken (Copycat) Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Craving restaurant-style Spicy Cashew Chicken from Cheesecake Factory brings classic Asian-inspired flavors right to home kitchens. Crispy chicken nestled in spicy-sweet sauce with crunchy cashews creates a mouthwatering meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size chunks
• 8 ounces cashews

Flour and Coating:

• 1/3 cup rice flour
• 1/3 cup seasoned rice flour

Sauce and Oils:

• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 6 green onions, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

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Instructions

1. Prepare seasoned rice flour by thoroughly blending dry ingredients in a mixing container, ensuring even distribution of spices and flour.
2. Create a chilled batter by whisking ingredients in a bowl set over an ice bath, maintaining a cold temperature to ensure crisp coating.
3. Craft the sauce by combining liquid and dry components, stirring until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Coat chicken pieces generously with the seasoned rice flour, shaking off excess for an even, light dusting.
5. Submerge floured chicken into the cold batter, gently folding to achieve complete and uniform coverage.
6. Heat canola oil in a large wok or skillet to medium-high temperature, allowing it to reach optimal frying conditions.
7. Carefully lower battered chicken into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the cooking surface.
8. Fry chicken pieces for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to ensure golden-brown crispiness and complete cooking.
9. Separate any chicken pieces that might stick together during frying, maintaining individual piece integrity.
10. Pour prepared sauce over crispy chicken, introducing cashews and green onions to the pan.
11. Toss ingredients vigorously, coating each piece with sauce and distributing components evenly.
12. Allow mixture to simmer briefly, approximately 30-45 seconds, enabling sauce to caramelize and thicken.
13. Transfer to serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds, fresh parsley, and additional crushed cashews for textural contrast.

Notes

• Flour Selection Matters: Use rice flour for an ultra-crispy chicken coating that’s lighter and crunchier than traditional wheat flour.
• Batter Temperature Technique: Keeping the batter ice-cold ensures a super-crisp exterior by preventing oil absorption and creating a delicate, airy texture.
• Cashew Crunch Boost: Lightly toast cashews before adding to the dish to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra aromatic depth.
• Sauce Balance Trick: Adjust sauce sweetness and heat levels by gradually adding chili sauce or honey to suit personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg