Cashew Chicken Delish
Creamy cashew chicken baked with tender chicken breasts in a savory sauce accented by brandy, sour cream, and crunchy cashews, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Add a small amount of water to create steam.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- In a bowl, stir together cream of chicken soup, brandy, sour cream, paprika, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the baked chicken.
- Cover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mixture before pouring it over the chicken. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can substitute cashews with almonds or even add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cashew Chicken Delish over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a fresh green salad. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For an elevated meal, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Explore more American recipes for additional dinner inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Chicken Delish contains roughly 137 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even baking. If using frozen, you may need to extend the baking time slightly. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, which absorbs flavors well. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup and adjust cooking times for the substitute. This way, you can enjoy a similar creamy dish without the meat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling it and storing it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).