Healthy Cashew Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe

This Healthy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is an ideal weeknight option that is fast and effortless to prepare, loaded with fresh vegetables and combined in a tasty homemade peanut sauce!

If you enjoy takeout-style dishes but prefer something lighter, fresher, and more wholesome, this Healthy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a must-try! It’s one of our go-to meals for weeknights because it’s filled with lean protein, crispy vegetables, healthy fats from cashews, and drizzled with a scrumptious peanut sauce. This makes for an effortless dinner that the entire family will appreciate, and the leftovers taste even more delicious the following day for a nutritious lunch!

Why You’ll Adore This

• Quick and simple – everything cooks in one skillet in under 30 minutes, resulting in a tasty and flavorful weeknight meal.
• Healthier than takeout – this dish has lower sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, making it a far better choice than your favorite takeout!
• Nutritious – packed with lean protein and a variety of colorful veggies that contribute fiber and essential nutrients.
• Ideal for meal prep – this cashew chicken stir fry reheats wonderfully for healthy lunches or dinners. You can easily tweak it according to your preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• chicken – I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces, but chicken thighs work well too.
• garlic – I prefer fresh garlic, but if you only have dried minced garlic or garlic powder, a teaspoon will suffice.
• veggies – a mix of broccoli florets, red bell pepper, snap peas, and green onions.
• soy sauce – I always use low sodium soy sauce since regular soy sauce can make dishes overly salty. Tamari or coconut aminos are also good alternatives to make it gluten-free or paleo.
• peanut butter – the foundation of this sauce and my favorite ingredient! I utilized all-natural creamy peanut butter, but chunky peanut butter or other nut butters can be used for a different flavor.
• honey – this not only adds sweetness to the sauce without refined sugars but also creates a nice sticky glaze! Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or another natural sweetener if needed.
• sesame oil – this contributes a WONDERFUL nutty flavor to the sauce.
• ginger – adds a zing to the sauce and amazing flavor.
• cashews – these provide a pleasant crunch to the stir fry and pair wonderfully with the peanut sauce. They are also rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and plant-based protein.
• salt + pepper – essential for seasoning and flavor enhancement.

How to Create Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

1. Chop everything! Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and chop all the vegetables.
2. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Mix in 2 or 3 tablespoons of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor!), based on your desired sauce thickness.
3. Brown the chicken. In a large skillet (my FAVORITE pan!) over medium-high heat, drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan. Once heated, add the chicken in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
4. Cook the veggies. Add another tablespoon of olive oil into the hot skillet and include the broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often.
5. Combine everything. Once the vegetables are tender, return the chicken to the pan and mix them together. Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute, then incorporate the cashews and drizzle the peanut sauce over everything. Stir well, ensuring everything is coated, and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and all ingredients are well incorporated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, serve, and enjoy!

Advice for the Best Cashew Chicken

• Prep ingredients beforehand – this stir fry cooks rapidly, so I like to chop and measure everything ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.
• Cut chicken uniformly – this ensures the chicken cooks swiftly and evenly while keeping it tender.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan – if your pan isn’t spacious enough, feel free to cook this stir fry in batches. You want everything to cook and brown evenly for optimal flavor.
• Customize to your taste – you can easily adjust this stir fry to suit your preferences by adding more garlic (or less), incorporating crushed red pepper for extra heat, or using toasted sesame oil for a nuttier flavor.
• Incorporate cashews last – this ensures the cashews remain crunchy!
• Taste and adjust – this peanut sauce is one of my favorites, but feel free to taste and modify it as needed to match your preferences.
• Serving ideas – this cashew chicken stir fry pairs excellently with brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it gluten-free – easily substitute the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add some heat – incorporate red pepper flakes, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or chili garlic sauce for extra flavor and spiciness.
• Low-carb alternative – while we enjoy serving this over brown rice, feel free to pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
• Vegetarian version – replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite noodles for a meatless choice.
• Additional veggies – you can also incorporate mushrooms, onions, asparagus, green beans, zucchini, carrots, or baby corn.
• Thicker sauce – while I find this sauce thick enough for my taste, you can add a teaspoon or two of cornstarch or arrowroot powder if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Meal Preparation and Storage

Leftovers can be kept for up to 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed, airtight container. The great thing is this meal is even tastier the next day, making it perfect for your weekly meal prep!

More Stir Fry Recipes

If you enjoy this Healthy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love to see your delicious recreations!