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Sesame Chicken with Cashews & Dates Recipe for Dinner

This quick and flavorful dinner recipe combines tender chicken thighs with roasted cashews, sweet dates, and a rich sesame soy sauce.
The addition of fresh ginger, garlic, and dried chilies creates an aromatic dish that's ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Taiwanese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet or wok

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2- inch piece fresh ginger peeled and sliced into 12 thin coins
  • 8 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
  • 1 bunch scallions about 8, cut into 2-inch lengths
  • 3 to 4 dried red chilies or ½ teaspoon red chili 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

For Serving:

  • 3 cups fresh basil or cilantro leaves or a combination
  • Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice to taste
  • Cooked rice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a large skillet or wok on high heat for at least 2 minutes until very hot. Pour in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and tilt the wok to spread the oil evenly. When the oil is hot and begins to thin, add the ginger slices, garlic cloves, scallions, and dried chilies. Stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the garlic edges are lightly golden and fragrant.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, along with the roasted cashews and chicken pieces. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken starts to brown. If the cashews begin to darken too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Pour in the rice wine, soy sauce, and sliced dates. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to a syrupy texture while the chicken cooks through.
  • Stir in the fresh basil or cilantro just before serving, and adjust the flavor with a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Serve hot over freshly steamed rice.

Notes

  • Substitute tamari for soy sauce if gluten-free options are preferred.
  • Adjust the number of chilies or chili flakes to modify the heat level.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though the sauce may thicken further. Add a splash of water while reheating to adjust consistency.
Keyword dinner recipe, easy Asian-inspired chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner ideas, quick sesame chicken recipe, sesame soy chicken with cashews, weeknight chicken stir-fry
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