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Cashew chicken on a bed of white rice inside of a bowl with a pair of chopsticks balancing on the rim

Cashew Chicken

This easy Cashew Chicken stir fry is a wholesome lunch or dinner that's easy to make in advance. Tender chunks of chicken are covered in a flavorful sesame garlic sauce, stir-fried with succulent veggies and crunchy cashews, then served over rice or noodles. Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, refined sugar-free with low carb and keto-friendly options.

Course Dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword cashew with chicken, chicken stir fry, chinese chicken
Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 395 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry Sauce

  • 6 tbsps coconut aminos can sub with gluten-free tamari or low sodium-soy sauce if there are no dietary restrictions
  • 1 tsp fish sauce , may sub with 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce if there are no dietary restrictions
  • 3/4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey , you can sub with a low carb / keto sweetener like Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup, erythritol, stevia or monk fruit
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch (or 1 teaspoon xanthum gum for low carb)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup water plus more as needed to thin out sauce

For the Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

  • 3/4 lb chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
  • sea salt and black pepper as needed
  • 1 tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch or cornstarch (sub with 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for low carb / keto)
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 large red bell pepper cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 3/4 cup roasted unsalted cashews
  • red pepper chili flakes

For Serving (Optional)

  • toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion sliced thinly
  • cauliflower rice, hearts of palm noodles or preferred rice or noodles of choice

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce. Set aside.
    Overhead shot of stir-fry sauce for cashew chicken in a clear bowl

  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, tapioca starch and 1 tablespoon of sauce/marinade.

    Add oil to a wok or a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

    Add the chicken and stir fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is starting to brown.

    Stir-fried chicken cubes in a black wok
  3. Toss in the broccoli and bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken is cooked through. Pour in the remaining sauce and add the cashews. Toss everything together and allow the sauce to bubble and thicken. Season with salt, pepper or red pepper chili flakes as needed.
    A wooden spoon digging into a cast-iron skillet filled with stir fry
  4. Remove from heat and serve warm on a large platter or over zoodles, cauliflower rice(paleo), quinoa or regular rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
    Cashew chicken on a bed of white rice inside of a bowl with a pair of chopsticks balancing on the rim

Recipe Notes

  • To Make Ahead: Cut chicken and refrigerate in an airtight container. Do the same with the veggies. Make sauce and store in a small glass container. The rice or noodles can be cooked in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container once cooled. Alternatively, make the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate everything in airtight containers once cooled.
  • To Store: Refrigerate cooled stir fry in an airtight container along with cooled rice or noodles. Enjoy leftovers within 4 days.
  • To Reheat: Warm up stir fry over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. If preferred, microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one.
  • To Freeze: Freeze cooled stir fry in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Cashew Chicken
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 395 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Carbohydrates 33g11%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 28g56%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.