For all its supposed defects–its “inauthenticity,” its unhealthiness, et al.--Chinese American cuisine is kind of the perfect toddler food. The crunchy and smooth proteins, the sweet but gentle sauces, the supple vegetables and rice that blend and bond with everything else on the plate – it’s those appealing, accessible contrasts that your child loves (and couldn’t possibly explain).
Now, we know what you’re going to say: it starts with a ‘P’ and ends in Express. And, sure, it’s more convenient than, say, marinating and frying some chicken pieces yourself -- but have you actually eaten the food there? The sweet and sour chicken has flecks of chili pepper in it; other dishes can be maddeningly inconsistent, not just from restaurant to restaurant but from day to day in the same spot. Even our child swore it off after one too many bad experiences.
We can do better–and we have.
Our source code is not anything flashy or technical but merely Midwestern: a Missouri-bred cashew chicken, in which fried chicken pieces/nuggets are coated in the most vaguely Asian of gravies – very “flyover country” sort of food, made special by the subtle touch a sauce comprised of soy, ginger, and chicken brother and thickened with cornstarch can bring. It’s easy and uncomplicated (yet novel!), and while there are steps to follow and some resting time for the chicken to marinate, the actual work to pull this very manageable opus off is a mere 20 minutes; we've even saved you the trouble of having to top/dust your end result with nuts because we instead infused the sauce with them, saving your child--and, by proxy, you--the trouble of having to question what these slivers of cashew are doing on top of his/her food. Even then, know this: you can very easily sub in any other favored sauce–say, sweet and sour–without changing much to the recipe. It's that easy; it's that good.
🥢 Kid-Friendly Cashew Chicken
If you're looking for a toddler-approved meal that feels like a fun upgrade from plain chicken nuggets, this one's for you. These cashew chicken bites deliver familiar pieces that little hands can manage, with a mild Chinese-meets-Midwest cashew chicken sauce twist to keep things fresh and flavorful.
Inspired by classic cashew chicken but adapted for younger eaters, we’ve cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks and paired it with rice and tiny broccoli florets to build a well-rounded plate. The coating stays light and crisp, and you have the option to serve the sauce on the side—great if your child is still getting used to new flavors or textures.
Because the marinade and fry-coat give the chicken extra juiciness and the cashew-broth sauce adds both comfort and gentle sweetness, this dish hits that sweet spot where parents want a “healthier upgrade” and toddlers feel like they’re eating something familiar.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for leftovers, this recipe has toddler-friendly size, texture and taste built in.
You’ll need a short list of familiar pantry staples—plus a few flavor-boosters for the sauce:
Optional: steamed rice and broccoli florets for serving.
Tip: The marinade quantity works for up to 1½ lbs of chicken if you want to scale up.
Can I bake or air fry the cashew chicken instead of deep frying?
Yes. For baking, preheat to 400°F and bake 15–20 minutes on parchment, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket once.
Is cashew chicken safe for younger toddlers?
Yes—just cut the chicken into small, manageable chunks and ensure nuts are finely chopped or blended into the sauce for early stages of self-feeding.
Can I make it ahead?
You can fry the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before coating in sauce to restore crispness.
What if my child doesn’t like sauce?
Serve the sauce separately for dipping, or drizzle just a bit on one or two bites to test their comfort level.
Any substitutes for oyster sauce?
You can use hoisin or a mix of soy sauce and a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness.
This toddler-friendly take on cashew chicken keeps the crisp, juicy chicken kids love while introducing a gentle cashew sauce for flavor exploration. Serve with rice and broccoli for a complete, balanced meal that works for the whole family.
If this is your first time serving the dish and/or your child is generally unfamiliar with pre-sauced chicken pieces, try first serving the chicken pieces unsauced, with the brown sauce on the side. We typically serve the chicken pieces over rice, sided by broccoli florets.
Swap out the cashews for almonds, or leave the nuts out altogether–the sauce does just fine without. If the sauce is too thick for your child’s liking, add splashes of chicken broth until desired viscosity is reached.
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 small bowl of chicken, sauce, and rice
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
