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How to Make the Best Cashew Chicken Stir Fry at Home

This cashew chicken stir fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to takeout. With tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or satisfying a craving for Chinese-inspired cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ½ cup unsalted cashews

For the sauce:

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For garnish:

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the cashews. Stir to coat everything in the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice.

 

Notes

  • For extra crunch, toast the cashews in a dry pan before adding them to the dish.
  • If making ahead, store the sauce separately to maintain the best texture.
  • For a lower-carb option, swap rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Double the sauce if you prefer a saucier dish—just increase all sauce ingredients proportionally.

This easy and delicious cashew chicken stir fry will quickly become a household favorite! 🍜🔥