Chicken Cashew For Two
A flavorful chicken stir-fry with crunchy green beans, carrots, and cashews, coated in savory sauce — perfect for a quick, satisfying meal for two.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with chicken broth; set aside.
- Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch and soy sauce; set aside.
- Coat the chicken pieces with the cornstarch mixture.
- Heat 4 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrot, and chopped celery; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add green beans and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add chicken broth mixture, water, and cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cashews and cook for another minute before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use any seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. For a crunchier texture, consider using roasted cashews instead of raw.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Cashew over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Crisp Oriental Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also garnish with additional cashews and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor. This dish is a great addition to any weeknight dinner or as part of a larger spread of Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken cashew in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cashew For Two contains roughly 1358 calories, with 17g protein, 289g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (227% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and potassium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 812mg per serving (35% 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 frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet. This will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the sauce's consistency.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can be used as alternatives. For a more robust flavor, consider adding a dash of soy sauce or miso paste to enhance the taste.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Chicken Cashew gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Additionally, ensure that the cornstarch is certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten concerns.
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).