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Kickin Cashew Chicken

Kickin Cashew Chicken delivers crunchy nuts and a savory, spiced onion puree for a quick dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Indian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 medium medium onions Peeled and quartered.
  • 1/2 cup cashews Raw; can be toasted for extra flavor.
  • 1 lb. cubed raw chicken breasts Cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins Optional; adds sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro For garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice For flavor enhancement.
Spice Mixture
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala Can substitute with cumin and coriander.
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust based on heat preference.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt For richness, can omit for dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons oil For frying.
  • 1 1/4 cup water For simmering.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Peel and quarter the onions.
  2. Process the onion pieces in a food processor about 1 minute until a smooth puree forms.
  3. Add the tomato paste, garam masala, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, yogurt, and oil to the onion mixture and process for 1–2 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat the oil in a heavy pan over medium heat.
  2. Pour the spice mixture from the food processor into the pan and fry for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the cubed chicken, half of the cilantro, and the golden raisins to the pan.
  4. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
  5. Add the water and bring to a simmer.
  6. Cover and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Serving
  1. Serve over rice and garnish with the remaining cilantro or cashew pieces.

Notes

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Can add lime wedges for fresh finish.