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Cashew Chicken Stir-fry with Veggies

prep time :15 minutes
cook time :15 minutes
Serves :4 people

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup raw cashews

SAUCE

  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water

CHICKEN

  • 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1-inch (2 1/2 cm) pieces
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons corn starch
  • 2 tablespoons oil (plus ½ - 1 tablespoon for the veggies)

STIR-FRY VEGGIES

  • 1 ½ cups white onion, cut into 1-inch (2 1/2 cm) pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch (2 1/2 cm) pieces

Method

  • In a medium pan (over medium heat), heat cashews until browned and fragrant, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. No need to clean the pan – you’ll use it for the next steps!
  • In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Set aside.
  • In a separate medium bowl or Ziplock bag, add the chicken, a little black pepper (to taste), and cornstarch.
  • Using the same pan you used for the cashews, add two tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat it to medium-high. Add the chicken chunks and cook for 6 - 10 minutes, or until the chicken is mostly cooked and begins to brown and appear crispy on the outside.
  • Remove chicken and set aside in a separate bowl.
  • Using the same pan, add ½ - 1 tablespoon of oil. Then, add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender and translucent.
  • Add the chicken, cashews, and sauce to the pan with veggies. Stir together and allow the sauce to thicken.
  • Optional: top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Remove from heat and serve over ½ cup of cooked brown or white rice and additional veggies like broccoli or sugar snap peas. Enjoy!

Notes

Make it vegetarian: Use tofu instead of chicken.
Chicken thighs: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Please note that this swap will alter the nutritional composition of this recipe slightly! 
Add more veggies: Broccoli, sugar snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms work great.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your hoisin is gluten-free.
Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed cabbage.

Nutrition