Sweet and Spicy Cashew Chicken (like Cheesecake Factory)

(We'd been searching for a another restaurant that served cashew chicken
that tasted like this since my family went to a Thai restaurant in Ft.
Worth, TX some 15+ years ago. In Dec 2007 we went to the Cheesecake
Factory and my husband ordered the Spicy Cashew Chicken. It was so good. I
came home and tried to find a copy cat recipe online with no luck. I found
some that looked close and added my own ideas. All in all, I think if you
like the Cheesecake Factory's Spicy Cashew Chicken, you're gonna love this
recipe)

1 lb of skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 cloves garlic, chopped (optional)
1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 - 1 cup cashews ( or to taste)
2 small green onion tops chopped (optional)

Sauce: you can mix it the night before to save time when cooking.
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 tsp salt (+or-to taste...I just sprinkled a bit from the shaker))
3 Tbsp sugar
4 tsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp sesame oil (or oil of your choice...I used canola oil)
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

Mix sauce ingredients together. Saute until thickened - stirring often.
While sauce is thickening, cook meat, garlic and pepper flakes until meat
is tenderly done. Add thickened sauce. Mix until meat is well coated. Add
cashews, mix gently. Sprinkle green onions on top. Serve over rice!
(Jasmine rice works well.) You can substitute shrimp or pork for the
chicken...or use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.

--
Rec.food.recipes is moderated by Patricia D. Hill at .
Only recipes and recipe requests are accepted for posting.
Please allow several days for your submission to appear.
Archives: http://www.cdkitchen.com/rfr/ http://recipes.alastra.com/