Chinese Cashew Chicken
A hearty Chinese-inspired casserole featuring tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, vegetables, and cashews, all baked in a creamy soup mixture for a flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, cooked, boned and diced ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 1 (16 oz.) can chop suey vegetables, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 oz. package cashews
- 1 (6 oz.) can Chinese noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped celery, cooked diced chicken, sliced water chestnuts, chopped vegetables, and half of the noodles in a bowl.
- Combine the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining noodles and cashews.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you want extra crunch, add more water chestnuts or even some diced bell peppers. Feel free to substitute cooked shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences, similar to Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional cashews for a delightful crunch. It pairs well with steamed rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a flavorful twist, serve alongside Chicken Hekka or other Chinese recipes, creating a delightful spread for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Cashew Chicken contains roughly 341 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 656mg per serving (29% 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 fresh vegetables instead of canned chop suey vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Just make sure to sauté them briefly before adding to the mixture to ensure they are tender and flavorful.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with firm tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup to maintain the creamy texture while keeping it plant-based.
Can I freeze the Chinese Cashew Chicken?
While freezing is possible, the texture of the noodles may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving the noodles out and cooking them fresh when ready to serve. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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).