Instant Pot® Cashew Chicken

A classic takeout favorite made at home in your Instant Pot®. This recipe uses chicken breast to keep it on the lean side, but the chicken is tenderized to maintain a velvety texture. Serve over white rice.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 379 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¾ cup water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon peanut oil
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• ¾ cup raw cashews
• 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
• 14 ounces chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, cut into eighths
• 1 (8 ounce) can baby corn, drained and cut into bite-size pieces

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Stir and serve immediately.

Step 2

Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 3 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 3

Place chicken in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch; mix until each piece of chicken is well coated. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon mirin on top and stir well. Set aside.

Step 4

Combine water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, hoisin sauce, and 2 teaspoons sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk together and set aside.

Step 5

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Add 1 teaspoon peanut oil, cashews, white sesame seeds, and black sesame seeds. Cook and stir until fragrant and toasted evenly, about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon peanut oil, bell peppers, onion, and garlic and saute until vegetables have softened and garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add chicken mixture and stir well to combine. Mix in soy sauce mixture, baby corn, and water chestnuts. Stir until everything is well combined.