27 Mar 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 cup cashew
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried coriander
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
2 eggs
8 chicken thighs
1/4 cup olive oil
Crunchy cashew chicken is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the richness of cashews with the savory flavors of cumin and coriander. This recipe ensures a crispy coating on the chicken thighs, offering a satisfying texture with every bite. Perfect for dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit at the table.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with some olive oil.
2. Prepare the Cashew Coating:
In a food processor, combine the cashews, bread crumbs, ground cumin, dried coriander, and fresh parsley. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but still has some texture. Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl or plate.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
Place the all-purpose flour in another shallow bowl or plate. In a third bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. One at a time, dredge each chicken thigh in the flour, making sure it is lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Dip in Egg:
Dip each floured chicken thigh into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated with the egg wash. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
6. Coat with Cashew Mixture:
Press each egg-coated chicken thigh into the cashew mixture, turning to coat all sides. Press gently to ensure the mixture adheres to the chicken.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
8. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top of the chicken thighs to help them get crispy and golden brown during baking.
9. Bake in the Oven:
Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. To ensure doneness, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
10. Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the Crunchy Cashew Chicken with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice.
Tips:
- Toast the cashews lightly before grinding to enhance their flavor.
- Use a food processor to grind the cashews and parsley together for a finer coating.
- Pound the chicken thighs slightly to ensure even cooking.
- Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
- Pan-fry the chicken on medium heat to avoid burning the coating while ensuring the chicken cooks through.
- For a healthier option, bake the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
In just a few simple steps, you can prepare a delicious and crunchy cashew chicken that will impress your family and guests. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, whether it's a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or a cozy serving of rice. Enjoy the delicious crunch and rich flavors of this well-loved dish.