Craving a quick and healthy dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor? Look no further than this cashew chicken stir fry recipe!
With a tantalizing balance of crunchy cashews and tender chicken, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce, this dish is a weeknight wonder. It is not only quick to make, but the entire dish is also a tapestry of colorful veggies and bold flavors.
Plus, it's a mindful meal that's low in carbohydrates, making it a guilt-free indulgence for those watching their intake. If you want to try it yourself, read on to find out how to perfect it!
3 Things To Love About This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
- Health-conscious choice: This cashew chicken stir fry is a nutritional powerhouse with just 10.05g of total carbs. It's high in protein and healthy fats, making it ideal for low-carb diets or well-balanced diets.
- Efficient and satisfying: Get a delicious meal on the table in just 35 to 40 minutes with this time-saving cashew chicken stir fry recipe. It's a complete and satisfying dish that's quicker to make than ordering and waiting for takeout.
- Guilt-free flavor: Enjoy a rich, savory sauce that's low in salt but high in flavor with this cashew chicken stir fry. Peanut butter, tamari, and chili garlic combine for a guilt-free glaze that makes this meal as tasty as it is healthy.
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Ingredients
A symphony of fresh, wholesome ingredients comes together in this cashew chicken stir fry.
Each ingredient below has been chosen for its contribution to the dish's complex flavor profile and nutritional value:
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free peanut butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup tamari / coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons Swerve sugar replacement
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1½ teaspoon sugar-free chili garlic sauce
Stir Fry Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups red cabbage, sliced thin
- 1 cup broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup roasted cashews, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1 medium orange bell pepper, sliced thin
- 12-oz. bag cauliflower rice, steamed
Step-by-Step Process for Making Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
Ready in about 40 minutes, you can make this cashew chicken stir fry at home in five easy steps.
Step 1: Creating the Sauce
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat with constant stirring and then reduce heat to just below medium.
Let it simmer until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is reduced to about one-half, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Move the sauce to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Wipe the skillet with a damp cloth and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook over medium-high heat with constant stirring until it develops some color, approximately 5 minutes.
Add ginger and continue cooking for another minute. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Frying the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and toss in cabbage, broccoli, and orange bell pepper.
Cook while continually stirring until the veggies are crisp, tender, and develop some color, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Combining Everything
Add the chicken to the skillet and stir in your chopped chews.
Pour the sauce on top and stir until everything is deliciously coated and heated through, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Do not overcook.
Step 5: Serving
Remove from heat and adjust seasonings if desired. Serve immediately with steamed cauliflower rice and enjoy!
Expert Cooking Tips for This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. To ensure even cooking and the perfect texture, cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. This allows each piece to cook through simultaneously, preventing any from becoming too dry or undercooked.
- Blanch your veggies to keep them crisp. Stir-frying the veggies quickly on high heat maintains their vibrant colors and crisp texture. This technique, known as blanching, keeps your vegetables snappy and bright, adding both visual appeal and a satisfying crunch to your dish.
- Toast the cashews beforehand. Toast the cashews in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the stir fry. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch, elevating the overall taste and texture of your cashew chicken stir fry.
- Add some water if the sauce gets too thick. To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or sticky, have a small amount of water or chicken broth on hand to thin it out if necessary. This allows you to adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking during the final stages of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sauce Very Salty?
Yes, the sauce can be salty. To avoid over-seasoning, use low-sodium ingredients and adjust to taste before serving. Remember, it's easier to add salt than to take it away!
Can I Use Regular Peanut Butter and Soy Sauce?
You can, but it will affect the dish's nutritional profile. For a healthier version, stick to sugar-free peanut butter and tamari or coconut aminos.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sugar-free peanut butter room temperature
- ⅓ cup tamari or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp Swerve sugar replacement
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1½ tsp sugar-free chili garlic sauce
Stir Fry Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups red cabbage sliced thin
- 1 cup broccoli florets roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup roasted cashews roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely minced
- 1 medium orange bell pepper sliced thin
- 12-oz. bag cauliflower rice steamed
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a skillet. Let simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until it’s reduced, transfer to a bowl, and set aside.
- Cook the chicken in olive oil until it develops some color, approximately 5 minutes. Add ginger, then remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and toss in cabbage, broccoli, and orange bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are crisp and tender.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet and stir in chopped cashew nuts. Pour the sauce on top and stir until everything is deliciously coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and serve with steamed cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
Related Recipes
- Savory Coq Au Vin Recipe With White Wine and Brussels Sprouts
- 50+ Quick and Easy Leftover Chicken Recipes You’ll Actually Enjoy
- Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata
Try Something Healthy Yet Indulgent for Dinner With This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe!
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