Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
A vibrant cashew chicken stir-fry with crunchy vegetables and savory sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying lunches, packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth, divided
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 3 cups broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh or frozen snow peas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cashews ⓘ
- Hot cooked rice (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of chicken broth.
- Combine cornstarch, soy sauce, ground ginger, and remaining broth until smooth; set aside.
- Add chicken to the skillet and stir-fry over medium heat until no longer pink, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
- Add garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets and snow peas; stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Stir the broth mixture and add to the skillet with the chicken.
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Stir in cashews and serve over hot cooked rice if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch and ensure it's well dissolved in the broth mixture. If you have allergies or want to switch flavors, try substituting with tamari for a gluten-free option or use mixed vegetables instead of broccoli and snow peas. This dish pairs well with other Chinese recipes, enhancing your meal's variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry over a bed of hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal. You can also pair it with a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to impress family and friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry contains roughly 1667 calories, with 59g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (196% of the Daily Value), and iron (143% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1910mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute cashews with almonds or peanuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts will impart varying flavors and textures to the dish, so choose according to your taste preference.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce. You can also serve sliced jalapeños as a garnish or add a spicy pepper variety during the stir-fry process.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is great for meal prep! Prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When you're ready to cook, simply stir-fry them together, and you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).