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20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles. Chicken and cashews cooked in a sweet-spicy and tangy hoisin-based sauce, then tossed with ramen noodles. Serve this up simply with toasted sesame seeds. Oh, and fresh green onions too. Don’t overcomplicate it! The noodles and chicken are well-sauced, salty (in a wonderful way), tangy-sweet, and have just the right amount of spice.

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

I often ask my family what recipes sound good. Sometimes, I send a list, but sometimes, I want to know what they’re thinking! It’s a nice way to find new inspiration. Recently, I sent my list of ideas to a few people: Mom, brothers, and cousins! I wanted to hear what was on everyone’s mind and what was sounding yummiest.

A handful of recipes seemed to stand out to everyone, one of which was spicy cashew chicken.

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

Originally, I was thinking of making the chicken and simply serving it with rice, like I always do. But then I saw some ramen noodles, and I figured that not only would the noodles be different, but wow, they would be delicious, too!

I debated using beef or chicken, but chicken sounded best to me. That being said, I think a beef skirt steak would be awesome here, too!

No matter which beef you choose, these noodles will be delicious! My little sister Asher loved them most. She adores ramen!

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

These are the details

Ingredients – for the sauce

  • hoisin sauce – I used my homemade sauce (notes section of the recipe card) for this; it was delish!
  • tamari or soy sauce
  • vinegar – tip: use the ginger brine from a jar of candied ginger if you have some in the fridge!
  • chili paste – I like gochujang
  • garlic
  • ground ginger
  • black pepper and chili flakes
  • sesame oil – or you can use avocado oil, olive oil, or butter

Ingredients – for the chicken

  • ramen noodles – we love ramen, but feel free to use rice noodles if you prefer
  • chicken thighs or breasts – or use a mix
  • garlic powder
  • ground ginger
  • black pepper
  • arrowroot powder or cornstarch
  • tamari or soy sauce
  • green onions
  • toasted sesame seeds

Special Tools

Just a large skillet and a glass jar to shake the sauce in.

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

Steps

Step 1: make the sauce

This sauce is pretty easy; simply mix all the ingredients together, then add water.

I like to use my homemade hoisin sauce (look in the NOTES section of the recipe card), which I shared with you all. It’s divine, but any store-bought hoisin sauce works wonderfully, too!

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 2: the noodles

We love ramen noodles with this recipe. They work so well and cook in about 3 minutes.

However, if you prefer, you can use rice noodles; those are great too! Cook the noodles until they JUST begin to soften. Make sure to undercook them a bit.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Next, start cooking the chicken. First, toss it with garlic powder, ginger, black pepper, and cornstarch. Add a bit of tamari. Now, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it is browned. Add the cashews and toast them up.

Tip: if you want to add a vegetable, I would mix broccoli or bell peppers in with the cashews.

Step 4: mix the sauce in with the noodles

At this stage, you can add the sauce. Let the sauce bubble up, then add the noodles and toss, toss, toss!

Get the noodles saucy! Once they’re well coated, pull the pan off the heat.

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 5: serve!

I serve the noodles with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

This recipe is definitely full of flavor yet still really simple.

Spicy, tangy, and salty are all the right flavors; they all hit so well together. Everyone thought this dish was YUMMY!

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles | halfbakedharvest.com

Looking for other quick weeknight dinners? Here are some favorites:

20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls

Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Cucumber Rice Bowl

Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken

30 Minute Sticky Thai Meatballs with Sesame Noodles

Better Than Takeout Sweet Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Beef and Lemongrass Rice Bowls

Lastly, if you make this 20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

@halfbakedharvest

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles 🍜

♬ original sound – halfbakedharvest

20 Minute Cashew Chicken Noodles

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 501 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Watch the How-To Reel

Ingredients

Sauce

Instructions

  • 1. To make the sauce. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. Add 1/3 cup water.
    2. Cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes, until just soft. Drain and set aside.
    3. In a large skillet, combine the chicken, garlic powder, ginger, black pepper, and cornstarch. Toss with tamari. Cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 8 minutes. Add the cashews. Cook for 2 minutes, until the cashews are golden.
    4. Pour over the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, add the noodles. Toss well to coat and remove from the heat.
    5. Serve the noodles and chicken with sesame seeds and green onions.
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This post was originally published on March 24, 2025
4.09 from 23 votes

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thanks for yet another great recipe loved by the entire family!! I followed the recipe exactly as written and it turned out perfect. I did not have any problems with the chicken sticking/burning to the bottom of the pan as some comments stated. We also didn’t think it tasted too salty as some people said. I do always cook with low sodium soy sauce and reduced sodium tamari though. Thanks again for the recipe! Love everything you make!

    1. Hi Nicole! Thank you so much! I’m so glad these noodles were a hit with the whole family! Thanks for all the input too! 🙂 xT

  2. 5 stars
    Love this recipe! I added a strong amount of toasted sesame oil (maybe 3ish TBS?) to the pan before making the chicken and had no issues with sticking. I also add more sesame oil as I go if needed. Threw in broccoli and peppers with the cashews to sneak some veggies in.

    1. Hey Tira! Aw thank you so so much for taking the time to leave a kind commment! So happy to hear you loved these noodles!! 🙂 xT