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Sesame Chicken with Cashews & Dates Dinner Recipe

This sesame chicken recipe features tender chicken cooked with cashews, dates, and a rich sesame-soy sauce, making it a delicious and satisfying dinner option.
Inspired by a classic Taiwanese dish, this version adds depth with roasted nuts, sweet dates, and fresh aromatics, ready in just 20 minutes.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Taiwanese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet or wok

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 2- inch piece fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced into 12 coins
  • 8 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
  • 1 bunch scallions white and green parts, cut into 2-inch lengths
  • 3 to 4 dried red chiles or ½ teaspoon red chile flakes
  • ½ cup unsalted roasted cashews
  • 6 boneless chicken thighs about 2 pounds, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • ⅓ cup rice wine or dry sherry
  • 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce or tamari
  • 4 pitted dates thinly sliced
  • 3 cups fresh basil or cilantro leaves or a combination
  • Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice to taste
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat until very hot, at least 2 minutes. Add half the sesame oil and tilt the pan to coat the surface. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ginger, garlic, scallions, and dried red chiles. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the garlic begins to turn golden around the edges.
  • Pour in the remaining sesame oil, then add the cashews and chicken chunks. Stir-fry continuously, cooking the chicken until it starts to brown, about 4–5 minutes. Lower the heat if the cashews brown too quickly. Once the chicken is evenly browned, add the rice wine, soy sauce, and sliced dates. Stir well, and allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce reduces to a syrupy consistency and the chicken is cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Toss in the fresh basil or cilantro leaves and stir gently to combine. Adjust the flavor with a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to your liking. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase dried chiles or add chili oil.
  • Substitute dates with dried apricots or figs for a different flavor.
  • Pair with steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
Keyword Asian-inspired dinner ideas, cashew chicken recipe, dinner recipe, easy sesame chicken recipe, fast dinner ideas, one-pan chicken dish, quick dinner recipes
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