Best Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken breast pieces are wok-tossed with roasted cashews, bell peppers, and a savory brown sauce. High in protein and quick to prepare, this dish works beautifully for clean eats meal prep or a satisfying family dinner.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean #normal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 1 lb
  • roasted unsalted cashews 0.75 cup
  • red bell pepper 1 pieces
  • green bell pepper 1 pieces
  • yellow onion 0.5 pieces
  • scallions 2 pieces
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • low sodium soy sauce 3 tbsp
  • oyster sauce 2 tbsp
  • rice vinegar 1 tbsp
  • brown sugar 1 tsp
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • fresh ginger 1 tsp
  • cornstarch 2 tsp
  • water 3 tbsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 20 g 24%
Protein 29 g 34%
Fat 15 g 42%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and toss with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and black pepper; set aside while preparing vegetables.

  2. 2

    Slice bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic and ginger, and chop scallions into 1-inch segments.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, remaining cornstarch, and water to make the sauce; ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved.

  4. 4

    Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken; stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until golden but not overcooked, then transfer to a plate.

  5. 5

    Add remaining oil, then stir-fry garlic, ginger, onions, and both bell peppers for 2 minutes over high heat, keeping vegetables crisp-tender.

  6. 6

    Return chicken to the wok, add sauce, and toss everything quickly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats, chicken is just cooked through, and everything is well combined.

  7. 7

    Add cashews and most of the scallions, stir just to incorporate, and immediately remove from heat to preserve crunch and texture.

  8. 8

    Garnish with remaining scallions and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Cashew Chicken recipe?
The dish's defining ingredient is the combination of boneless skinless chicken breast and roasted cashews. The tender chicken provides lean, high-quality protein, while the cashews give a signature buttery crunch and nutty depth that set this stir-fry apart from similar dishes.
Q. How do I prevent the chicken from overcooking or turning tough?
To ensure juicy chicken, cook the pieces quickly over medium-high heat until just golden, then transfer them out before stir-frying the vegetables. Return the chicken only near the end to finish cooking in the sauce, guaranteeing a tender texture without dryness.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 340 kcal and 29g of protein. This makes Cashew Chicken a high-protein option, ideal for balanced meal prep or post-workout dinners.
Q. What gives the sauce its savory, classic flavor?
The sauce's savory depth comes from low sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatic additions of garlic and ginger. Rice vinegar adds brightness, brown sugar a touch of balance, and cornstarch ensures a glossy, clinging finish.
Q. Are the vegetables meant to be crisp or soft?
For authentic texture, stir-fry the bell peppers and onions just 2 minutes over high heat—this keeps them crisp-tender and vibrant, contrasting nicely with the tender chicken and crunchy cashews.
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