Springfield Cashew Chicken is a beloved regional dish that combines crispy fried chicken pieces with a rich, savory brown sauce and crunchy cashews, creating an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Originating from Springfield, Missouri, this dish marries American-style fried chicken with Chinese-inspired flavors, making it a favorite comfort food. The tender, golden chicken is served over rice and topped with a flavorful sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, and a hint of oyster sauce, then finished with roasted cashews for the perfect crunch. It’s a satisfying, hearty dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. In one bowl, place the flour and cornstarch, and in another bowl, the beaten eggs. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, coating each piece evenly.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Place the fried chicken pieces over a bed of white rice. Pour the sauce generously over the chicken, then sprinkle with roasted cashews and chopped green onions.
- Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Springfield Cashew Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy fried chicken, a savory sauce, and crunchy cashews for a dish that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Perfect for a quick dinner with a regional twist!
