Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

Cashew chicken stir fry is one of those weeknight dinner miracles—quick, flavorful, and so much healthier than ordering out. Whether you’re using a skillet or air fryer, this dish delivers juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a sticky, savory-sweet sauce in under 30 minutes. The balance of lean protein, healthy fats from the cashews, and vibrant peppers makes it a meal that feels indulgent but fits into a busy lifestyle.

One reason this dish stands out is how well it mimics the flavors of classic takeout, but with fewer calories, less sodium, and total control over the ingredients. It’s a takeout fakeout that you can feel good about eating. For anyone who loves fast, bold, Asian-inspired meals, this one’s a keeper. Stir frying, a high-heat cooking technique originating from China, helps ingredients retain texture and nutrients. Learn more about stir frying techniques and why it works so well for weeknight meals.

Another major benefit is the flexibility in how it’s prepared. The air fryer version delivers a light crisp on the chicken without extra oil, while the skillet method offers a classic, saucy finish. Depending on your kitchen setup and time constraints, either option is reliable and delicious. For instance, if you’re prepping for the week, try making cashew chicken into meal prep bowls like these on Pinterest, pairing it with rice or noodles for quick lunches.

So whether you’re craving something comforting or need a simple dish that comes together in 20 minutes, cashew chicken stir fry is a go-to. It’s satisfying, customizable, and an ideal solution for busy weeknights when time is short but flavor still matters.

Ingredients Deep Dive

2.1 Core Ingredients and Substitutions

At the heart of any good cashew chicken stir fry is a short list of simple, flavorful ingredients that work together to deliver rich, balanced flavor. Each one plays a key role in texture, taste, and nutrition.

Chicken: The most commonly used cut is boneless, skinless chicken breast, but thighs offer more juiciness and can be more forgiving during cooking. For convenience, pre-cut chicken tenders also work well.
Cashews: Opt for unsalted, raw cashews for the best control over flavor and sodium. Roasted cashews can be used in a pinch but may add extra oil and salt. Want to skip nuts? Try sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas for crunch.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers adds sweetness and slight bitterness. Yellow or orange peppers work just as well. For more variety, sub in broccoli florets, snap peas, or even zucchini.

What makes this stir fry standout is the signature sauce, which delivers bold umami flavor with a touch of sweetness.

Soy Sauce: A staple in stir fry sauces, low-sodium soy sauce reduces salt while keeping the deep, savory notes. For gluten-free needs, tamari is an ideal swap. Learn more about what is soy sauce and its use in Asian cuisine.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds thickness and sweet-salty flavor. If unavailable, a mix of peanut butter and soy sauce can be used as a base.
Honey: Balances the salty soy and hoisin with natural sweetness. Maple syrup or brown sugar work as alternatives.
Rice Vinegar: This mild acid brightens the sauce. Apple cider vinegar is a decent substitute, but rice vinegar keeps it authentic. Explore different types of vinegar in Asian cuisine.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash gives the dish a nutty aroma. Toasted sesame oil is more fragrant. Discover more uses of sesame oil in cooking.
Water: Helps loosen the sauce for better coating without diluting flavor.

2.2 Pantry Staples That Make the Dish

What makes this stir fry so easy is that most ingredients can be found in your pantry.

Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken before cooking, it helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce slightly as it simmers.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth. Garlic paste can be used for convenience.
Green Onions (Optional): These add a fresh, bright finish and mild onion flavor.

For more inspiration, check out this Pinterest board of easy chicken stir fry ideas featuring cashew chicken variations. The ingredient flexibility makes this dish perfect for customization based on what you have on hand.

Whether you’re cooking from scratch or meal-prepping, knowing the key ingredients and their purpose helps you tailor the recipe to your taste and dietary needs while keeping the integrity of the dish intact

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions (Skillet)

3.1 Prepping Chicken the Right Way

Getting the chicken just right starts with how you prep it. Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized, even pieces—this ensures even cooking and better sauce coating. Toss the pieces in cornstarch, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, to create a light coating that crisps slightly during cooking and helps thicken the sauce later.

Let the chicken sit for 5–10 minutes after tossing in cornstarch. This resting time helps the coating adhere better, especially if you’re using chicken that has some surface moisture. It also leads to better browning once it hits the hot pan.

For stir fry recipes, understanding how to prep ingredients efficiently is key. You want everything chopped and ready before cooking starts since the process moves fast.

3.2 Stir Fry in Action

Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes on one side to build color, then stir and continue cooking for 4–5 more minutes until golden and fully cooked through.

Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, add red and green bell peppers and stir fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant. Add minced garlic during the last 30 seconds to prevent burning.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the unsalted cashews. This step ensures the nuts warm up and absorb some sauce flavor without losing their crunch.

3.3 Finishing Touches

Whisk the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and water. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice. Top with sliced green onions for color and a fresh crunch. You can find more ideas for healthy weeknight dinners on Pinterest.

Air Fryer Cashew Chicken Variation

4.1 How to Air Fry the Chicken

The air fryer is perfect for achieving crisp, juicy chicken without deep frying. Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then arrange in a single layer in a preheated air fryer at 380°F. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.

This method creates a lightly crisp exterior and juicy inside. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a lower-fat version of stir fry chicken without sacrificing flavor.

4.2 Making the Sauce Separately

While the chicken cooks in the air fryer, prepare the sauce on the stovetop. Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

This separate sauce prep helps avoid overcrowding the air fryer and ensures every bite of chicken gets fully coated with flavor. For inspiration on similar recipes, explore this Pinterest board of air fryer Asian recipes.

4.3 When to Add Veggies & Cashews in the Air Fryer

To keep veggies crisp-tender, lightly spray bell peppers with oil and air fry at 375°F for just 4–5 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as bell peppers can turn mushy quickly in high heat.

Stir in cashews right at the end—no need to cook them, as the residual heat warms them up and keeps their texture intact. Once all components are ready, toss the chicken, vegetables, and sauce together and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

5.1 Best Sides for Cashew Chicken

Cashew chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are the best pairings:

Steamed jasmine rice – Classic choice for soaking up sauce
Brown rice – Adds a nutty taste and more fiber
Cauliflower rice – Great low-carb option
Lo mein noodles or soba noodles – For a slurpable twist

You can also serve it over a bed of steamed veggies or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Check out one-pan dinner inspiration for more serving ideas.

5.2 Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals:

Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let the stir fry cool completely before freezing. Best used within 2 months.
Reheat: Use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave with a cover to keep moisture.

Make several portions and store with rice for grab-and-go lunches during the week.

Nutritional Info and Dietary Swaps

6.1 Nutrition Breakdown (Estimated)

Here’s a general nutrition estimate per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~390
Protein: ~34g
Carbs: ~20g
Fat: ~18g
Sugar: ~7g
Sodium: ~550mg

Using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing hoisin or honey can lower sodium and sugar.

6.2 Dietary Adaptations

Need adjustments? This recipe is easy to customize:

Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
Vegetarian: Substitute tofu for chicken. Air fry or pan fry for texture
Nut-Free: Swap cashews for roasted chickpeas or skip entirely
Low-Sugar: Reduce or omit honey and hoisin; add a dash of chili paste for kick

If you’re interested in alternatives like plant-based stir fries, visit our internal guide on quick vegetarian dinner recipes for inspiration.

FAQs Section

7.1 Can I use frozen chicken for stir fry?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first. Frozen chicken releases too much water, which affects browning and texture. For even cooking, thaw completely and pat dry before coating with cornstarch.

7.2 What vegetables go well in a cashew chicken stir fry?

Besides bell peppers, great add-ins include:

Snow peas
Carrots (thinly sliced)
Baby corn
Mushrooms
Zucchini

These all hold up well in high heat and match the flavor profile.

7.3 Can I make cashew chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge and freezer. For best texture, store sauce separately and combine when reheating. Ideal for meal prep bowls like these shown on Pinterest.

7.4 How do you keep stir fry chicken tender?

Use cornstarch and avoid overcooking. Also, cutting chicken against the grain helps. Cooking quickly over high heat locks in moisture. Letting the chicken rest briefly after cooking also helps it stay juicy.

7.5 Is cashew chicken healthier than takeout?

Yes, when made at home. You control the ingredients and avoid added sugars, excessive oil, and MSG. For more on cashews’ nutritional value, visit about cashews.

7.6 Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes. Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce. Adjust to taste depending on your spice preference.

The Best Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry for Busy Weeknights

Cashew Chicken Stir Fry