Easy Cashew Chicken
Easy homemade Cashew Chicken recipe ready in 35 minutes. Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and savory sauce—healthier than takeout.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium green scallions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl, then toss the chicken cubes through the mixture until evenly coated.
- 2
Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chicken broth in a separate bowl until the honey dissolves completely.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
- 4
Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until the bottom develops a golden crust, then stir and cook another 4 minutes until cooked through; transfer to a clean plate.
- 5
Add the remaining avocado oil to the same skillet and sauté the diced onion until translucent and soft, about 4 minutes.
- 6
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- 7
Add the bell pepper chunks to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peppers begin to soften slightly.
- 8
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens noticeably.
- 9
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the roasted cashews and red pepper flakes, folding everything together gently.
- 10
Simmer the entire dish for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
- 11
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice and sliced green scallions.
- 12
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted unsalted cashews | Raw unsalted almonds or walnuts | Almonds and walnuts provide similar crunch with higher fiber content and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting better inflammation markers and gut health. |
| Honey | Monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar | These alternatives have a lower glycemic index, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes while maintaining sweetness without refined sugar. |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | Coconut aminos or tamari | Coconut aminos and tamari offer deep umami flavor with significantly less sodium and are easier to digest for those with soy sensitivities. |
| Avocado oil | Olive oil or ghee | Ghee adds probiotic-supporting fat; olive oil provides polyphenols for anti-inflammatory benefits while keeping calories similar. |
| Rice vinegar | Apple cider vinegar | Apple cider vinegar contains the mother culture which supports digestive enzymes and gut microbiome health while adding acidity. |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 465 |
| Total Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 98mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 43g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
