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Weeknight (25 minute) Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken with Coconut Rice…and deliciously addicting salted chili lime cashews. This is the super-fast Thai inspired chicken rice bowl that the whole family will love. Quick-cooking chicken, pan-seared, then tossed in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce with garden fresh bell peppers, sesame seeds, and summer’s most flavorful basil. Serve this chicken over steamed rice and top with chili lime cashews. Every bite is saucy, sweet, spicy, and hinted with basil. It’s delicious and healthy. Major bonus? This is all made in one pan without the use of your oven. Perfect for hot summer days.
This is one of those recipes where I just love how easily it came together for me. This came to me on a busy day and with really just the use of my brain and what sounded delicious.
I knew I wanted to use up all the Thai basil we have growing in the garden. We literally have so much. It’s overflowing at this point. So I knew I needed to do something with it…and soon. If you follow on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve noticed all the basil in the garden, there’s a lot. And I’m certainly not complaining, I love it.
I also knew I wanted to use the chicken I had on hand. Because the grocery is not a place I want to be heading to these days, so I’m trying to use what I’ve got! And in comes this chicken.
I have to say, I’m really excited with how this turned out. It’s Thai inspired, but with my own additions. Additions like chili lime cashews (with honey…and flaky sea salt too). And one of the best sweet and spicy Thai chili sauces I’ve ever made.
I love this dish. It’s easy, almost no-cook, and just so flavorful. And then there’s coconut rice too…all the (good) things I love.
First up, the cashews. Now, these are an “extra” and you don’t have to make them. But you certainly should if you have five minutes and cashews in the pantry.
Simply toss raw cashews with sesame oil, honey, chili powder, and a bit of turmeric, then cook until toasted, golden, and caramelized. Once the cashews are toasty, remove them from the heat, and add lots of lime zest plus flaky sea salt. Oh. So. Delicious!
Putting it out there, these are hard to stop eating. My best tip? Make a double batch. Serve half with the chicken and save the other half for random mid-day snacking. It’s a good idea.
Next, toss the chicken with a little cornstarch and a good pinch of pepper. Tossing the chicken with cornstarch allows it to get extra crispy and caramelize while cooking.
Now make the sauce. It’s simply, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili paste, ketchup (which is the secret), and sesame seeds. You guys, this sauce is now my newest favorite. It’s the ketchup, it adds a layer of flavor that’s subtle, but yet is so key. It’s sweet, salty, and spicy.
Pan-fry the chicken in a little oil until it’s crisp. Add plenty of garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Then pour the sauce in and let it simmer down and thicken over the chicken and peppers.
As the chicken is cooking, you should be making some steamed rice. I like to toss it with a touch of butter and basil just before serving. SO GOOD.
Spoon your rice into bowls, then add the chicken and peppers. Finish each bowl off with lots of fresh basil and a handful of those salted chili honey-lime cashews.
Oh and add some thinly sliced cucumbers if you’d like too.
Enjoy…immediately.
And you guys…that’s it. This takes less than 30 minutes to make and it’s not only delicious but fun too!
Looking for other quick weeknight Thai summer dinners? Here are some favorites:
Coconut Popcorn Chicken with Sweet Thai Chili Lime Sauce
30 Minute Sticky Thai Meatballs with Sesame Noodles
Better Than Takeout Sweet Thai Basil Chicken
Lastly, if you make this Thai basil sesame cashew chicken, 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!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Delicious! My chicken didn’t get crispy though. And I didn’t want to over cook it so my sauce could have been thicker also. But we really enjoyed it and I felt like such a chef with those cashews. They are addicting!
Hey Christine,
Awesome! Thanks a lot for making this recipe and sharing your feedback. I’m glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
I have made this so many times and it never fails. This is now my go-to dish when i host people. I am confident in the kitchen but get nervous serving others. This is great because you can prep the chicken, the sauce, the bell pepper and even the rice. All you have to do when guests arrive is cook the chicken, add the peppers and sauce and reduce the sauce. It is always a hit! Just spicy enough but packed with flavour. The coconut rice is a perfect pairing too. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe, there have already been so many wonderful memories made while sharing this dish <3
* i stopped making the cashew nuts. It was too sticky/time consuming and i always end up burning them. However it is very easy and a great crunch.
Hey Elizabeth,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! xTieghan
This recipe was absolutely amazing! Restaurant quality. I had cut up a roast chicken and used that. Since it was already cooked I sprayed it with some olive oil and tossed it with the cornstarch. I browned it in the hot oil and it worked perfectly. I’m going to double the cashews next time they are like candy! Thanks for sharing this recipe I’m going to make it for our friends!!
Hey Kyndra,
Wonderful! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and I appreciate you giving it a try! xTieghan
Another great recipe from HBH! Thank you!
Hey there,
Awesome! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so delighted that it was enjoyed!! xTieghan
This was delicious!! The sauce is very good! I might make it again to use with grilled salmon. All of the flavors in this dish really complement each other. I did not have turimec, so not sure what that would add but I would totally make this again! Thank you:)
Hey Laura,
Happy Monday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xxTieghan
I have Thai Basil, bell peppers and broccoli coming in my CSA box tomorrow. This is the first recipe to come up…. We have a cashew (almond and pistachio too!) allergy. Could I use peanuts?
This looks amazing and I have everything to make it on hand!!!
Hey Juli,
Sure, peanuts would be fantastic! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
This looks delicious and like the comment above about trying it with salmon, perhaps grilled… What might be a great veggie side to serve with it?
Hey Jan,
I would probably do broccoli or Brussels sprouts. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
How should I adapt the coconut rice portion to work in a Rice Cooker?
Hey David,
So sorry, I am unsure as I have never used a rice cooker. I hope the recipe turns out amazing for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Wow! This recipe is a party in your mouth. I love so many of your recipes but I just had to comment on this one. Love the flavors and the crunch of the cashews.
Hey Ann,
Awesome! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Have the best week! xTieghan
I just came here to say that I have made so many of your recipes over the years and I come back to this one over and over. It’s SO GOOD and I don’t even have to look at the recipe anymore because I have it memorized. 🙂 My husband and I have this at least once a month because it’s quick, always delicious, and it’s good in every season.
Hey Kelly,
Awesome! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Have the best week! xTieghan
This recipe was delicious! The cashews were an excellent extra touch- I will definitely be making more next time for a snack. I also did this with fried rice to get in more veggies. Perfect!
Hey Taylor,
Wonderful! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This is so delicious! This will be a regular dinner for my family!!!!
Hey Melissa,
Fantastic! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend☀️ xTieghan
Loved this recipe, I just cut down the heat a bit. The cashews are so wonderful. I will make them alone to serve with appetizers, love the hint of lime you taste from the lime zest.
Hey Deb,
Awesome!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for making it! xxTieghan
Wow this is GOOD!! A new favorite takeout (at home) recipe! I followed the recipe steps & ingredients exactly with one exception. I substituted broccoli for the peppers. The basil and cashews take the dish from a 10/10 to 12/10. Really like the crispy chicken and the sauce flavor is just right with sweet, salty and heat. Will be making again. Thank you for the delicious and fast recipe.
Hey there,
Wonderful! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Came out delicious!
Hey Nicole,
I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Happy 4th of July!?? xTieghan
This recipe was a hit! So many great flavors. My husband called it “restaurant worthy”. Will be making again.
Hey Maria,
Awesome! It is so great to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a go! xTieghan