Sarah BrownBefore diving into the details of Cheesecake Factory’s spicy cashew chicken, it’s essential to consider what to serve alongside this delightful dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that blends flavor and texture splendidly. For a balanced meal, I recommend pairing it with fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the spicy soy-sherry glaze.
A fresh green salad, with a light dressing, complements the richness of the chicken. Think crispy lettuce, cucumbers, and perhaps some radishes to add crunch. If you’re feeling indulgent, warm spring rolls or crispy vegetable dumplings can add a delightful crunch to your meal.
Now let’s dive into a detailed look at this dish.
Cheesecake Factory’s spicy cashew chicken caught my eye the first time I visited, thanks to its vibrant menu description. I was drawn in by the promise of crispy chicken, roasted cashews, and a tangy sauce that offered a little kick. Little did I know that this dish would become a personal favorite, one I would attempt to recreate many times in my own kitchen. After experimenting with written recipes and my personal tweaks, I’m excited to share everything I learned.
What Is Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken?
At its core, Cheesecake Factory’s spicy cashew chicken is a dish that fuses Eastern flavors with Western cravings. The dish features bite-sized pieces of chicken, expertly coated in a crispy batter and tossed with roasted cashews, scallions, and a house-made spicy sauce. Each bite is a dance of crunch and spice, with the salty and sweet notes from the hoisin sauce and sherry making it truly irresistible. It’s a dish crafted to satisfy anyone looking for a lively and flavor-packed experience!
Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken
You might wonder what exactly makes this dish so appealing. First, let’s talk about the texture. The chicken is fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender meat. When you add the roasted cashews, you introduce another layer of crunch, providing that satisfying bite everyone desires in a meal.
Now, let’s turn to the flavor profile. The spicy soy-sherry glaze is where the magic happens. It incorporates heat from sriracha and balanced sweetness from hoisin and sugar. When combined, these elements create a bold taste that awakens your palate. You can never go wrong with a meal that brings together different flavor profiles and textures in such a harmonious way.
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The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken
To master this dish, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1/3 cup neutral cooking oil – Canola or vegetable oil works best.
Seasoned Rice Flour Mix:
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup rice flour
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Rice Flour Batter Mix:
- 1.5 cups rice flour
- 1.5 cups ice-cold water
- 1/4 cup plain all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Spicy Soy-Sherry Glaze:
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 ounces fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 scallions – Sliced into 1/4-inch segments.
- 8 ounces roasted cashew nuts.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
Step 2: Make the Seasoned Rice Flour Mix
In a separate bowl, combine rice flour, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This mixture will add flavor to the chicken while providing a crispy coating.
Step 3: Create the Rice Flour Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the rice flour, ice-cold water, all-purpose flour, salt, and ground black pepper. You should get a smooth batter that allows for an even coating on the chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the seasoned rice flour mix, then into the rice flour batter. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Set them aside on a plate.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the neutral cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, start adding the chicken pieces. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the chicken cooks, combine all the ingredients for the spicy soy-sherry glaze in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once all the chicken is fried, transfer it to a clean bowl. Pour the spicy glaze over the chicken and toss well. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated with that delicious sauce.
Step 8: Add Cashews and Scallions
Finally, add the roasted cashews and sliced scallions to the mix. Give it one last toss to combine all ingredients before serving.
Notes
- Batter Consistency: If your batter is too thick, add a bit more ice water. It should flow easily but still coat the chicken well.
- Temperature Matters: Be sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Test with a small piece of chicken; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Cashew Options: Feel free to toss in other nuts. Peanuts can be a good alternative.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour for the batter and hoisin sauce to make this dish celiac-friendly.
- Balance Heat: Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your heat preference. A little can go a long way!
Storage Tips
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days, but you can reheat it in the oven to regain that crispy texture. Avoid microwave reheating, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Nutrition Information
Roughly, a serving of spicy cashew chicken contains:
Serving Suggestions
- Over Jasmine Rice: Serve the chicken on a bed of jasmine rice for a filling meal that absorbs the rich sauce.
- With Fried Rice: Consider pairing with fried rice for a delightful spin.
- As a Stir-Fry Base: Use the chicken as a base and add various vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.
- On a Salad: For a lighter option, serve it on mixed greens for a flavorful salad twist.
- With Noodles: Toss it with stir-fried noodles for a hearty dinner.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken?
- Chicken Alternatives: Tofu – Perfect for a vegetarian option. Just cut it into cubes, press, and fry until golden.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Chickpea flour – A great substitute for rice or all-purpose flour.
- Cashew Substitute: Almonds – Just as crunchy and delicious.
- Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos – Excellent for those who prefer a soy-free diet.
- Hoisin Replacement: Plum sauce – Offers a comparable sweetness and thickness.
Cheesecake Factory’s Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Mixture
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast
- 1/3 cup neutral cooking oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup rice flour
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1.5 cups rice flour
- 1.5 cups ice-cold water
- 1/4 cup plain all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 ounces fresh garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 scallions
- 8 ounces roasted cashew nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- First, cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
Step 2: Make the Seasoned Rice Flour Mix
- In a separate bowl, combine rice flour, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This mixture will add flavor to the chicken while providing a crispy coating.
Step 3: Create the Rice Flour Batter
- In another bowl, whisk together the rice flour, ice-cold water, all-purpose flour, salt, and ground black pepper. You should get a smooth batter that allows for an even coating on the chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken into the seasoned rice flour mix, then into the rice flour batter. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Set them aside on a plate.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the neutral cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, start adding the chicken pieces. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
- While the chicken cooks, combine all the ingredients for the spicy soy-sherry glaze in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Once all the chicken is fried, transfer it to a clean bowl. Pour the spicy glaze over the chicken and toss well. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated with that delicious sauce.
Step 8: Add Cashews and Scallions
- Finally, add the roasted cashews and sliced scallions to the mix. Give it one last toss to combine all ingredients before serving.
Notes
- Batter Consistency: If your batter is too thick, add a bit more ice water. It should flow easily but still coat the chicken well.
- Temperature Matters: Be sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Test with a small piece of chicken; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Cashew Options: Feel free to toss in other nuts. Peanuts can be a good alternative.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour for the batter and hoisin sauce to make this dish celiac-friendly.
- Balance Heat: Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your heat preference. A little can go a long way!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make spicy cashew chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and glaze in advance. Fry the chicken just before serving for the best texture.
2. What type of oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable work best due to their high smoke points. Avoid oils with strong flavors that might alter the dish.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
While fresh chicken is always better, frozen chicken can be used. Ensure it’s fully thawed before you begin the frying process.
4. Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level is adjustable. Add less sriracha if you prefer a milder dish, and taste along the way as you mix the glaze.
5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
You can bake the chicken, but it won’t have the same crispy texture as frying. Making sure to coat them well and cooking at a high temperature will give you a decent result.
6. What do you recommend for leftovers?
Leftovers are best reheated in an oven to maintain that crispiness. However, you can enjoy them in a salad or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
Conclusion
Creating Cheesecake Factory’s spicy cashew chicken in your kitchen doesn’t just satisfy your cravings; it also delights your senses. With its crispy chicken, smoky cashews, and a balanced glaze, this dish seamlessly intertwines taste and texture. Dive in, enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to share with friends and family who will undoubtedly appreciate a homemade version of this beloved classic. Whether it’s part of a laid-back dinner or a gathering, you’re sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let’s create something incredible together!
