When it comes to comforting dinners that bring the family together, Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a standout. It’s a dish that warms the heart while being both satisfying and delicious. After a long day, there’s something incredibly rewarding about preparing a meal that’s quick, nutritious, and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave a hearty meal with little fuss, making it a family favorite in many homes.
At the heart of this dish are simple yet delightful ingredients: 1 pound of chicken breast, sliced for tender bites, 1 cup of cashews that add a delightful crunch, and 2 cups of mixed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, which bring color and nutrition to the table. The combination of 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce provides a rich umami flavor, while minced garlic and ginger enhance the aroma and depth of flavor. A touch of salt and pepper ties everything together, making this stir fry truly irresistible.
The cooking method is a breeze, ensuring you won’t spend all evening in the kitchen. Simply heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan, and add the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then, brown the sliced chicken breast, toss in the vegetables, and finish with the soy and oyster sauces along with the cashews. It all comes together in just a few quick steps, allowing you to serve a steaming hot dish in no time.
This Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is particularly perfect for busy weeknights or even when hosting a casual gathering. Whether it’s a chilly evening when you want something cozy or a potluck where you want to impress without stressing, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
- Quick to Prepare: Takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on short notice.
- Comfort Food: A delicious blend of flavors that brings joy and satisfaction.
- Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and vegetables, providing a balanced dish.
- Versatile Recipe: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s dinner at home or a gathering with friends.
Chicken Tips
When choosing chicken for your stir fry, opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breast. Look for a firm texture and a pinkish color, avoiding any meat that appears slimy or discolored. If you’re able, consider organic or free-range chicken for better flavor and texture. Before cooking, slice the chicken breast thinly and evenly, which allows for quicker cooking and better absorption of flavors during the stir fry process.
Options for Substitutions
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients! Here are some great substitutions you can make:
- Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Swap out cashews for almonds or peanuts if you prefer.
- Replace mixed vegetables with any preferred options like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Experiment with coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Try sesame oil instead of vegetable oil for added depth.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common pitfall is overcooking the chicken. It can easily become dry if left in the pan too long. Aim for a golden-brown color and ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy. Additionally, be careful not to add the vegetables too early. They should maintain some crispness, so cook them just until tender but not mushy. Finally, avoid skimping on seasoning. Taste your stir fry before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to bring out all the wonderful flavors.
What to Serve With Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side options. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome base. You could also enjoy it alongside a fresh cucumber salad drizzled with sesame dressing to balance the richness. If you want to add more texture, roasted sweet potatoes would complement the stir fry well.
Storage Instructions
Store: In the refrigerator, this stir fry will last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Freeze: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just ensure the stir fry is completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Reheat: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 800-1000
Protein: 60-80g
Fat: 40-60g
Carbohydrates: 60-70g
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup cashews
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Allow it to get hot, but not smoking. This will help to create a nice sear on the chicken.
Step 2: Aromatic Blend
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir them for about 30 seconds, just until they become fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Now, add the sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Incorporate the Vegetables
Stir in the mixed vegetables. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 5: Pour in the Sauces
Next, add the soy sauce and oyster sauce to the pan. Mix everything together well to ensure the flavors coat the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Finish with Cashews
Finally, stir in the cashews and cook for an additional minute. This will warm them up and bring out their nutty flavor.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Season your stir fry with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry.
Conclusion
In summary, Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that your whole family will love. It’s quick to make, packed with nutrition, and perfect for any occasion. We invite you to try this recipe for yourself and share your experiences! Your feedback is always welcome, and be sure to check out more of our delicious and easy recipes for your home cooking adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge, making it easy to cook right before serving.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This stir fry holds up well as meal prep. Just store it in individual containers and you can enjoy it throughout the week.
What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for added sweetness.
Print
Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and delightful stir fry made with chicken, cashews, and mixed vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup cashews
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well to coat chicken and vegetables.
- Stir in the cashews and cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with tofu. You can also substitute cashews with almonds or peanuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 90mg