Name: Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp cornstarch; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced in half; 1 carrot, chopped; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 green pepper, chopped; 1 red pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup cashews; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free); 2 tbsp honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced

This easy cashew chicken stir fry is better than takeout and great for meal prep. Plus, the sauce is made using mostly pantry staples!

You can whip up this flavour-packed dish in under 30 minutes! Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s healthier and just as delicious as your favourite takeout!

Why you'll love this recipe

Fast & fresh: Ready in under 30 minutes with fresh ingredients and no added preservatives.
Meal prep friendly: Stays fresh for days and reheats beautifully.
Customizable & convenient: Uses simple pantry staples and is easy to adapt to your preferences.

Ingredients and substitutions

Chicken breasts – boneless skinless chicken thighs would also work. For a seafood option, use shrimp instead of chicken as your protein.
Cornstarch – arrowroot or tapioca starch can also be used.
Salt & pepper – to taste.
Sesame oil – you can use a neutral cooking oil like olive oil but it will have a milder flavour.
Mushrooms – add in another veggie like zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, snap peas, bok choy or celery.
Carrot – see substitution notes above.
Yellow onion – white onion, red onion or shallots would all work instead.
Green and red pepper – swap out for any colour bell pepper of your choice.
Cashews – cashews are the star of this recipe, but you can try making the stir fry with another nut of your choice like peanuts.

Stir fry sauce

Soy sauce – coconut aminos or tamari are the best substitutes for soy sauce.
Honey – agave, maple syrup or brown sugar would all help sweeten the stir fry sauce.
Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch. You could also swap out half the garlic for minced ginger.

overhead shot of the ingredients for easy cashew chicken and labeled

How to make cashew chicken stir fry

Steps 1 and 2 for making cashew chicken: Make stir fry sauce then season and coat chicken in cornstarch.

Step 1: Make the sauce.

Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 2: Season and toss the chicken.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then toss with the cornstarch.

Steps 3 and 4 for making cashew chicken: Saute carrots and mushrooms then brown chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the carrots and mushrooms.

Cook the carrots and mushrooms in a skillet.

Step 4: Brown the chicken.

Add the chicken and sauté until browned.

Steps 5 and 6 for making cashew chicken: Mix in rest of the veggies, add sauce and serve.

Step 5: Mix in the rest of the veggies.

Sauté onion, green pepper and red pepper. Add the sauce and cook until it thickens.

Step 6: Add sauce, serve and enjoy!

Stir in the cashews, then remove from heat. Serve garnished with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Tips for the best cashew chicken

Make your own stir fry sauce: It's made of pantry staples and is so much better than the preservative-filled options you buy from the grocery store.
Use a wok: You can use a skillet for this recipe, but a wok will give you that authentic stir fry flavour and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Mix up the veggies: Add in different veggies like zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, water chestnuts or celery.
Roast the cashews: For even better flavour, roast the cashews in the oven for 10-15 minutes first at 350°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Definitely. You can substitute tofu, beef, shrimp, or pork, just adjust cooking times as needed. For tofu, press out excess water before cubing and stir-frying.

I don't have all the vegetables listed. Can I substitute or leave some out?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Broccoli, snow peas, bok choy, and snap peas are all great additions. You can also leave out any vegetables you don't like.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use tamari instead of soy sauce. And, double check all other ingredients to be sure.

What to serve with this dish

These side dishes will take your chicken to the next level.

Rice & noodles: Your classic steamed rice, fried rice or low-carb cauliflower rice or noodles would all make great accompaniments.
Vegetables: Steamed or stir-fried vegetables, Asian-inspired slaw, or edamame all offer healthy and complementary side dish options.
Other sides: Appetizers like spring rolls or egg rolls, a light soup, or a fresh salad are all delicious pairings for the stir fry.

How to store and reheat

Store: Place cooled stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Freeze & Reheat from Frozen: Transfer cooled stir fry to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as above.

Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe