How To Make Cashew Chicken Curry

To make cashew chicken curry, you simmer tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy sauce made from ground cashews, aromatic spices, and a touch of coconut milk.
 
It’s a comforting dish that comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
 
The cashews do double duty here, thickening the curry and adding a lovely nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make cashew chicken curry that tastes like your favorite takeout, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through why this cashew chicken curry recipe works so well, the ingredients you’ll need, and a step-by-step guide to making it at home.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Why This Cashew Chicken Curry Recipe Works

Making cashew chicken curry at home is easier than you might think, and here’s why this recipe delivers every time:
 

1. Cashews Create a Naturally Creamy Base

The secret to a great cashew chicken curry lies in the cashew paste.
 
When you blend soaked cashews with a little water, they transform into a silky, rich base that thickens the curry without any flour or cornstarch.
 
This is why cashew chicken curry feels indulgent yet stays relatively light compared to cream-based curries.
 

2. The Spice Blend Is Simple but Powerful

You don’t need a dozen spices to make cashew chicken curry taste authentic.
 
A combination of garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander gives the dish its signature warmth.
 
Fresh ginger and garlic add depth, while a pinch of chili powder brings just the right amount of heat.
 

3. Chicken Thighs Stay Juicy

For the best cashew chicken curry, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
 
They’re more forgiving than chicken breasts and stay tender even after simmering in the sauce.
 
If you prefer white meat, go ahead and use chicken breast, but keep an eye on the cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.
 

Ingredients for Cashew Chicken Curry

Before you start making cashew chicken curry, gather these ingredients:
 

1. For the Cashew Paste

You’ll need ¾ cup of raw cashews soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then drained and blended with ¼ cup of water until smooth.
 
This cashew paste is the heart of your cashew chicken curry, so don’t skip the soaking step.
 

2. For the Curry Base

Have ready one large onion (finely chopped), two tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, one cup of tomato puree, and one can (14 oz) of coconut milk.
 
You’ll also need two tablespoons of oil or ghee for cooking.
 

3. Spices and Seasonings

Measure out one teaspoon each of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, plus ½ teaspoon of chili powder and salt to taste.
 
A handful of fresh cilantro for garnish completes your cashew chicken curry ingredients.
 

4. The Chicken

You’ll need about 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces.
 
Pat them dry and season lightly with salt before adding them to the cashew chicken curry.
 

How to Make Cashew Chicken Curry Step by Step

Now let’s get into the actual process of making cashew chicken curry:
 

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
 
Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
 
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
 

2. Build the Sauce

Add the tomato puree and all the spices to the pan.
 
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture darkens slightly and the oil starts to separate.
 
This step is crucial for developing the flavor of your cashew chicken curry.
 

3. Add the Chicken and Cashew Paste

Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until they’re lightly browned on the outside, about 5 minutes.
 
Pour in the cashew paste and coconut milk, then stir everything together.
 
Bring the cashew chicken curry to a gentle simmer.
 

4. Simmer and Finish

Cover the pan and let the cashew chicken curry simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
 
Taste and adjust the salt, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
 

So, How Do You Make Cashew Chicken Curry?

To make cashew chicken curry, you simmer chicken in a creamy sauce made from cashew paste, coconut milk, and aromatic spices.
 
It’s a simple dish that rewards you with layers of flavor and a silky texture.
 
With this recipe, you now know exactly how to make cashew chicken curry at home whenever the craving strikes.
 
Serve it with steamed rice or warm naan, and enjoy every bite.