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Delicious 30-Minute Cashew Chicken stir fry with vegetables and cashews.

30-Minute Cashew Chicken

A quick and easy meal that tastes like takeaway, featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a glossy sauce, all ready in just half an hour.
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3/4 cup unsalted cashews, roasted Use raw cashews if necessary; toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best, but jarred can work.
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated Fresh is preferred.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce or oyster sauce For depth of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps the sauce cling.
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water To loosen the sauce.
  • Vegetables (optional): bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini Add for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable) For cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil Optional drizzle at the end.
  • Green onions and sesame seeds Optional garnish.

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

  • In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin (or oyster sauce), rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, broth or water, and cornstarch until smooth.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add oil.
  • Add chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and let sit for a minute to develop color.
  • Cook chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until mostly done.

Add Vegetables and Sauce

  • If using, add vegetables to the skillet and cook until crisp-tender.
  • Stir the sauce again and pour it into the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened and chicken is cooked through.

Finish and Serve

  • Turn off heat, add cashews, and optionally drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle green onions before serving.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Leftovers can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Calories: 400kcal
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Keyword: 30-minute meal, Cashew Chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, Takeout at Home