Cashew Crusted Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Golden Chicken with Maple Citrus Glaze and Basil‑Cashew Garnish

Cashew Crusted Chicken Recipe

This Cashew Crusted Chicken recipe brings together juicy pan‑seared chicken, crunchy roasted cashews, and a sweet‑tangy maple lemon glaze for a flavorful entrée perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or elegant entertaining. Featured on A Is For Apple, this recipe combines chicken breast, coconut, maple syrup, and fresh basil to create a crisp, golden dish that’s bold, aromatic, and easy to recreate at home.

The Inspiration

This dish takes inspiration from Southeast Asian flavors—nutty crusts, sweet glazes, and bright herbs—blended with Western pan‑searing technique. Host Lauren Gulyas often highlights globally inspired comfort food on A Is For Apple, and in the episode Cashew and Carrot, cashews shine as both a textural and flavor‑building ingredient. By combining crushed roasted cashews with coconut and panko, she creates a crispy, fragrant coating that clings beautifully to thin chicken scaloppini. Maple syrup and lemon juice add contrast, echoing sweet‑and‑citrus glazes found in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Viewers will love this recipe because it transforms simple chicken breasts into a vibrant, restaurant‑quality meal with very little prep.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breast boneless skinless
• 1 cup (237ml) whole roasted cashews
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) grated unsweetened coconut
• ½ cup (125ml) panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup (250ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh basil roughly torn
• ¼ cup (60ml) whole cashews for garnish
• 1 lb. (454g) blanched green beans

Method

• Place one chicken breast on top of large piece of plastic wrap on cutting board.  Cover breast with plastic wrap and using a mallet; gently pound the chicken to make an even ½ inch (1.25cm) scaloppini.
• Repeat with remaining chicken.
• Place ¾ of the roasted cashews in a food processor.  Blend using on and off turns until a medium chunky consistency is achieved. Place in a bowl and add the coconut, panko, salt and pepper.
• Evenly coat chicken on both sides in the cashew coconut mixture. Set on a baking tray and repeat with remaining chicken.
• Place a large non-stick pan over medium heat add the oil to the pan and allow to heat 1 minute.
• Place the chicken breasts in pan and cook without moving until a beautiful crispy golden brown crust is achieved. Flip and repeat with remaining side. Add the maple syrup, lemon juice and chili flakes to the pan and toss to coat with the chicken.
• Remove from heat.  Place chicken on a platter.
• To the now empty sauté pan add the butter and allow to melt over medium heat.  Add the blanched green beans salt and pepper and juice of half a lemon.
• Cook until green beans are hot. Remove and place on a plate.
• In a separate bowl add chopped basil and remaining cashews. Mix to incorporate.
• To serve place green beans on plate top with one chicken breast and garnish with basil and cashews.

Serving Suggestions

Cashew Crusted Chicken is a versatile entrée perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and special entertaining. Serve it with jasmine rice, quinoa, or a citrus‑herb couscous for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with crisp salads—especially those with citrus, mango, or avocado—which complement the cashew coating and acidity of the glaze. For beverages, try pairing with a Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or a citrus‑forward mocktail like sparkling lemonade.

If hosting, arrange the chicken on a large platter with green beans surrounding the edges and basil sprigs on top for a restaurant‑style presentation. The combination of textures—crunchy crust, tender chicken, buttery beans—makes this dish especially appealing for family dinners or entertaining groups.

Final Thoughts

This Cashew Crusted Chicken recipe highlights how everyday ingredients can come alive with texture and flavor. With crunchy cashews, fragrant coconut, and a maple‑lemon glaze, it brings both comfort and brightness to the table. Host Lauren Gulyas showcases on A Is For Apple how easy it is to elevate simple chicken into a show‑stopping meal without complicated steps. Whether you’re preparing a flavorful weeknight dinner or a fresh, vibrant main for guests, this recipe delivers satisfying crunch, sweet‑citrusy aroma, and layers of memorable flavor.

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