If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about the iconic Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken, you’re in the right place! Imagine perfectly crisped chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce, mingling with bell peppers, green onions, and plenty of roasted cashews—all served over fluffy white rice. It’s a beloved favorite for a reason, and with this recipe, you can bring that unforgettable restaurant experience into your own kitchen, any night of the week.

Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the list fool you—these ingredients are simple staples, but each one is absolutely essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures that define Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken. Every element, from the chicken to the cashews and sauces, plays a starring role in making this dish so crave-worthy and vibrant.

Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces of lean, tender chicken make for quick cooking and a perfect canvas for all the bold flavors.
Cornstarch: Gives the chicken that signature golden crust and helps thicken the luscious sauce.
Salt: Simple, but it pulls all the tastes into sharp focus.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle, earthy heat that complements the sweet and spicy elements.
Vegetable oil: Essential for achieving a crisp exterior on the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
Unsalted roasted cashews: Buttery and crunchy, these nuts are the highlight of every bite—toast them for extra flavor!
Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a pop of vibrant color that makes the dish irresistible.
Green onions: Fresh and aromatic, they balance and brighten the overall flavor.
Garlic: Just two cloves, but the fragrance makes the kitchen smell amazing.
Fresh ginger: Adds gentle warmth and zing that deepens the flavor profile.
Water: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
Soy sauce: Brings salty, umami undertones to the dish.
Rice vinegar: A little acidity wakes up all the other flavors for that delightful tang.
Hoisin sauce: Velvety and complex, hoisin delivers subtle sweetness and depth.
Sweet chili sauce: Offers a perfect harmony of sweetness and gentle heat.
Sugar: Just enough to balance the spice and keep the sauce beautifully glossy.
Crushed red pepper flakes: The secret to recreating that famous Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken kick.
Sesame oil: Infuses a toasty aroma that brings everything together.
Steamed white rice: The classic, fluffy base that soaks up every drop of sauce.

How to Make Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in cornstarch seasoned with salt and black pepper. This step sets the stage for that irresistibly crisp exterior once the chicken hits the hot oil. Make sure every piece is well coated for the best crunch and a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, get your vegetable oil shimmering over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sizzle for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until every piece is cooked through and golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if you need to. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Cashews

Using the same skillet, add your cashews, diced red bell pepper, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, letting the cashews turn a shade darker and the peppers start to soften. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for just 30 seconds. That brief hit of heat brings out their aroma without burning them.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. This blend is where the magic happens—sweet, spicy, tangy, and umami all at once, just like the original Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken.

Step 5: Simmer and Toss

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, so it thickens slightly and coats the veggies and cashews. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing everything together so that every bite is glossy and thoroughly coated with that sumptuous sauce. Let it heat through for another minute or two.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the spicy cashew chicken generously over steamed white rice. Take a moment to admire the vibrant colors and inhale the incredible aroma—then dig in! This is pure comfort with a restaurant-quality finish, right at your table.

How to Serve Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken

Garnishes

For the ultimate finish, scatter some extra chopped green onions and a few whole roasted cashews on top just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a handful of fresh cilantro adds even more color and a fresh twist to each plate of Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish is sensational with simple steamed rice, but it also pairs beautifully with jasmine or brown rice if you want something nutty. For more color and crunch on your plate, try it alongside steamed bok choy, snap peas, or even a fresh Asian cucumber salad. The main event, Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken, steals the show, but a crisp veggie on the side keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken in lettuce cups or over a bed of spiralized zucchini for a lighter, lower-carb option. It’s also a crowd-pleaser served family-style in a big platter for gatherings, with a side of fortune cookies for a playful nod to classic takeout nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is never a bad thing), let Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture.

Freezing

To freeze, simply portion the cooled spicy cashew chicken into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to leave a little room for expansion. The flavors hold up well for about a month, just make sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened up too much. You can also microwave individual servings, but stir halfway through for even warming and to keep those cashews as crisp as possible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a bit more flavor. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces, then follow the recipe as written for that same Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken satisfaction.

How spicy is this recipe?

The level of heat can be dialed up or down based on your preferences. If you love extra spice, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some fresh chopped chilies. For a milder dish, scale back or leave out the pepper flakes—the sauce will still be irresistibly delicious.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari, and double-check that your hoisin and chili sauces are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken are naturally gluten-free.

What type Main Course

Steamed white rice is traditional, but jasmine rice offers amazing fragrance, and brown rice provides extra fiber and nuttiness. If you’re watching carbs, try serving Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce cups for a fresh crunch.

How do I keep the chicken extra crispy?

The key is tossing the chicken in cornstarch and making sure the oil is hot before you add it to the pan. Work in batches if needed and avoid crowding, which can create steam and make the coating soft instead of crispy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy enough for any night yet impressive enough for company, give Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken a try. Every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, from sticky-spicy sauce to the satisfying crunch of cashews. Trust me, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home kitchen, and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!

Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Recreate the famous Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken at home with this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe. Tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce with crunchy cashews and vibrant bell peppers, served over steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Serving:

2 cups steamed white rice

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Instructions

Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until golden brown. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Stir-fry cashews, bell pepper, and green onions. Add garlic and ginger. Whisk together water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Pour into the skillet and simmer.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, coat in sauce, and heat through. Serve over steamed rice.