Introduction
Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken With Cashews is a quick and easy stir-fry that brings together tender chicken, crunchy cashew nuts, and a rich hoisin sauce. This hoisin chicken recipe uses chicken breast or chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips or chicken strips, then cut into strips and coated as hoisin-marinated chicken. The result is a glossy, savory, sweet, savory-sweet dish with deep umami and umami flavor that fits perfectly into Asian cooking. I like making it as a homemade, Asian-inspired meal because the fresh flavours and texture make every bite flavorful, rich, and enjoyable.
This stir-fried dish is a great choice for a quick supper, weeknight dinner, or midweek meal, especially when you want to add something new to your repertoire. During lockdown, recipes like this became popular in many home kitchens because they were simple and versatile. I often enjoy it on a warm summer evening, serving it with rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the freezer for up to an hour before chilling if you want the chicken slightly firmer, making it easier to portion for another meal.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into long, thin strips/chicken strips) | 500g (about 2 chicken breasts) |
| Hoisin sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Light soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Extra soy sauce (optional, for extra saltiness and depth) | 1 tsp |
| Olive oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Extra dash of sesame oil (optional, for aromatic cooking) | 1 tsp |
| Fresh ginger / root ginger, grated | 1 tsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 cloves |
| Runny honey / honey | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh lemon juice (from ½ lemon) | 1 tbsp |
| Roasted unsalted cashews / roasted cashews / cashew nuts | 100g (3½–4oz) |
| Red bell pepper, sliced (optional) | 1 medium |
| Spring onions (small bunch), sliced | 3–4 spring onions |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Freshly steamed jasmine rice or other rice (for serving) | 4 cups cooked |
| Fresh green salad (optional, for serving) | 1 bowl |
Prepare
The prepare stage is simple and keeps the whole preparation stress-free. Slice the chicken, measure the sauce ingredients, and have the vegetables and cashews ready before you start. I find that spending 30 mins getting everything organised makes the cooking much smoother, especially on busy days.
If you have extra time, you can marinate the chicken for 1 hour to build even more flavour. This little bit of preparation helps the sauce soak into the meat and gives the finished dish a better taste without adding extra work later.
Cook
Once everything is ready, cook the chicken over high heat and keep it moving while cooking. The chicken usually starts to brown in about 10 mins, then you can stir in the sauce and cashews for a glossy finish. I always avoid overcrowding the pan because it helps the chicken stay juicy instead of steaming.
If you are making a larger batch, the full cooking time may be closer to 30 mins. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats every piece evenly, then remove it from the heat while everything is still tender.
Serve
Serve the chicken straight from the pan while it is hot and fresh. This recipe serves 4, making it a great family dinner or an easy meal for guests. I usually place it over steamed rice, but noodles also work well.
For the best serving experience, sprinkle a few extra cashews on top just before bringing it to the table. The added crunch makes every bite more enjoyable without needing any extra side dishes.
Dietary
This recipe suits several dietary needs when prepared with the right ingredients. It is naturally Dairy-free and Egg-free, making it a practical choice for many families looking for simple meals.
It is also considered Pregnancy-friendly when the chicken is fully cooked and all ingredients are fresh. I always recommend checking sauce labels if you are cooking for someone with specific dietary requirements to make sure everything matches their needs.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe is quick, easy, and ready in about 25–30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It is a one-pan meal with simple cleanup, so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner. I often make it when I need a meal that is both delicious, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
The mix of sweet and savory flavours creates a great balance that suits all ages. It is also customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or other vegetables. Compared to takeout, this version is healthier because you can use less oil, less sugar, and less salt. It is also make-ahead and make-ahead friendly, and the leftovers are excellent for reheating the next day.
Equipment Needed
- Wok or large frying pan (a regular frying pan also works)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Spatula
- Basic cookware
- Essential kitchen equipment for preparing and cooking the recipe smoothly
Method
Step 1: Place the chicken, sliced chicken, or chicken strips into a mixing bowl (bowl). Combine the marinade using hoisin, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, root ginger, garlic, honey, lemon, and lemon juice. Stir and stir well, then season with salt, pepper, and black pepper.
Step 2: Toss the chicken until every piece has an even coat and coating. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes, or at least 10–15 minutes. If you leave it longer, the chicken will absorb flavor even better.
Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prep sauce using the remaining sauce ingredients and set aside until needed.
Step 4: Heat a wok or frying pan over high heat or medium-high heat. Add olive oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil.
Step 5: Fry and stir-fry the marinated chicken for a few minutes, about 5–6 minutes. If needed, cook it in two batches until golden, golden brown, and cooked through.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Wipe the pan with kitchen paper, or use a clean pan with a dash of oil.
Step 7: Add the bell pepper, bell pepper slices, other vegetables, cashew nuts, roasted cashews, cashews, and spring onions. Pour in the sauce mixture, drizzle in any cooking juices, and cook until everything is warmed through and hot through.
Step 8: Stir again, then garnish with extra spring onions and sprinkle over more cashews. Serve with steamed jasmine rice, jasmine rice, rice, noodles, or salad in a serving bowl. Serve hot with your favourite side.
Step 9: For reheating, use gentle heating, stirring, and tossing to keep this quick meal, dinner, or meal full of aroma, flavor, and tender texture. Everything cooks evenly, making it perfect for Asian-style cooking and skillet cooking.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken With Cashews
This dish is delicious with steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or simple rice. If you want something different, try stir-fried noodles or noodles, which soak up the sweet hoisin sauce beautifully. These are some of my favourite pairings for an easy Asian-style meal.
For lighter side dishes, serve it with a cucumber salad, green salad, or fresh salad. Steamed bok choy, bok choy, or broccoli add healthy greens, while spring rolls or sesame roasted carrots bring extra flavour. The roasted carrots make an excellent earthy side, and a bowl of miso soup works well as a soup starter. Together, these accompaniments, serving ideas, and the flavorful sauce create a warm, comforting meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hoisin Chicken With Cashews
Always slice chicken evenly for even cooking and a better texture. Try not to overcook the chicken, and add the cashews near the end so they stay crunchy. Cooking over high heat is one of the secrets of good stir-frying, giving the chicken a lightly seared flavor.
If you enjoy extra sauce, double the sauce and serve it with noodles. A little toasted sesame oil adds a richer aroma, while chili flakes create a spicy version. I always prep ingredients before cooking because this is a quick cooking recipe. Paying attention to the chicken, texture, flavor, sauce, sesame oil, timing, and preparation helps every bite taste better. Finish with crispy cashews, a fresh garnish, adjust the seasoning, and keep these recipe tips and kitchen tips in mind every time you make it.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken With Cashews
If you want a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or add mushrooms for a tasty chicken alternative. This plant-based option is a healthy variation that still keeps the dish full of Asian flavors. For a sweeter touch, mix in pineapple chunks to create a sweet, tangy twist that works well with the hoisin sauce.
You can also swap cashews for almonds or peanuts if you prefer different nut alternatives. Add baby corn, sugar snap peas, or other vegetables for extra nutrition, then stir in a splash of rice vinegar for a sharper flavor. Finish with sesame seeds as toppings to give the dish extra texture, improve its appearance, and add more crunch. This simple stir-fry variation, flavor variation, and overall recipe variation make customization easy for every family.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mary Berry Chicken Marinade chicken hot and fresh with steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh cucumber or green salad. Steamed broccoli, bok choy, or stir-fried vegetables also make excellent sides. For extra texture and flavour, garnish the chicken with spring onions and a sprinkle of roasted cashews.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken With Cashews
Good storing starts by letting the dish cool completely before packing it away. This prevents moisture buildup, helping keep the chicken and vegetables in better condition. Place the food into airtight containers for airtight storage, then refrigerate it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I often keep portions ready for meal prep, and the flavours become even better the next day.
For longer storage, freezing is a good option, especially if you have leftovers. To keep freshness, flavors, and overall preservation, store the sauce separately whenever possible. If you enjoy batching meals, avoid freezing peppers for too long because they can develop a mushy texture. Keeping the cashews separate also prevents soggy cashews, protecting their texture from excess moisture.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken With Cashews
For the best reheating results, use a skillet over low heat and stir gently until everything is warm. This method keeps the chicken tender and helps the sauce stay smooth. I prefer this approach because it protects both the flavour and the texture of the dish.
If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stopping for halfway heating to stir. Add a splash of water to the sauce to rehydrate it if it has thickened. Warm the chicken carefully and avoid overheating, as this can dry it out. Add the cashews after heating to prevent softening, then finish with fresh spring onions before serving. This works especially well for leftover chicken, helping maintain freshness, texture, and moisture with gentle heat.
How Can I Make Hoisin Chicken With Cashews Healthier?
To make this dish healthier, start with a few simple healthy swaps. Use low-sodium soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to reduce reduced sodium and reduced salt in the recipe. Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber, and add more vegetables for extra nutrition. These small changes turn it into a more healthy recipe without losing flavour.
Choose lean chicken breast for lower fat, and use a little less hoisin sauce to cut back on sugar. Swap regular cashews for raw cashews or lightly toasted cashews, and serve the dish with whole grains to increase protein and create a more balanced meal. These adjustments improve both the nutrition and the overall quality of the meal.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
These values are estimated per serving and may vary slightly depending on the ingredients used.
Expert Tips
- Never leave raw or raw marinated chicken at room temperature.
- Keep marinated chicken chilled until you are ready to cook.
- This recipe freezes well, making freezing leftovers a great option for busy days.
- Good preparation helps the cooking process run smoothly.
- Pay close attention to timing to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Cook just until done to keep the chicken tender and maintain a great texture.
- Balance the sauce ingredients carefully for the best flavor.
- These simple recipe tips, kitchen tips, and cooking tips will help you get the best results every time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use roasted salted cashews instead of roasted cashews?
A: Yes. You can use roasted salted cashews or salted cashews instead of roasted cashews. Just reduce salt in the recipe or briefly rinse the nuts to remove some of the salty taste.
Q: How do I keep the chicken moist?
A: Use stir-frying with thinly sliced chicken. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and hoisin sauce, then cook over high heat for a short cooking time. This helps prevent overcooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make ahead or prepare it a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until needed.
Q: What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat the stir-fry on the stove with a splash of water or a little extra sauce to keep the chicken moist and the sauce smooth.
Q: What vegetables go well in this stir-fry?
A: You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, baby corn, snap peas, or other Asian vegetables. They add extra color, crunch, and nutrition to the dish.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Proper storage, reheating, and meal prep help maintain the freshness, texture, and flavor of the chicken, cashews, and stir-fry, making it perfect for another dinner or meal.
Final Words
Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken With Cashews is a wonderful way to enjoy restaurant-style flavor through home cooking. This homemade dish is quick, easy, and satisfying, with bold flavours that come together as a balanced meal. It is a recipe I often return to because it is reliable, full of flavour, and simple enough for any home cook.
With tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a delicious stir-fry sauce, this dish can easily become part of your dinner routine and a family staple. Its flavorful taste makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it is a recipe worth making again and again.