Stir-Fries

Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry

Name: Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1/2 cup (60g) cashews; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce; 1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauce; 1 tbsp (15ml) hoisin sauce; 1 tsp (5g) sesame oil; 1/4 cup (30g) scallions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil; 2 cups (200g) mixed vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)

By Nina Lee · June 18, 2026 · Stir-Fries

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total25 min

Serves4

Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry — Quick and delicious stir-fry

I still remember the first time I made a stir-fry at home. It was a simple dish with chicken, vegetables, and a store-bought sauce. But as I continued to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, I realized that the key to a great stir-fry lies in the balance of flavors and textures. That's why I'm excited to share my Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry recipe with you, a dish that combines the tender flavor of chicken, the crunch of cashews, and the savory taste of a garlic-soy sauce.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal. It's also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. The best part is that it can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for those with limited time.

One of the things I love about this recipe is the combination of Asian flavors and ingredients. The soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil all come together to create a rich and savory sauce that complements the chicken and cashews perfectly. And with the addition of fresh ginger and garlic, you'll get a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.

If you're new to stir-frying, don't worry! This recipe is easy to follow, and I'll guide you through each step. From preparing the ingredients to cooking the dish, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry turns out delicious every time.

So, let's get started! Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, I'm confident that you'll love this recipe. It's a staple in my household, and I know it will become one in yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and ingredients.
The combination of Asian flavors and ingredients creates a rich and savory sauce.
The dish is both tender and crispy, thanks to the high heat and quick stir-frying.
It's a filling and satisfying meal that's perfect for any time of day.
You can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great stir-fry is in the preparation and cooking technique. By using high heat and quick stir-frying, you can achieve a dish that's both tender and crispy. The sauce is also an essential component, as it brings all the flavors together and adds a rich, savory taste to the dish.

In this recipe, I use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce to create a balanced and flavorful sauce. The soy sauce provides a salty, umami taste, while the oyster sauce adds a depth of flavor and a slightly sweet note. The hoisin sauce, on the other hand, adds a thick, syrupy texture and a sweet, savory flavor.

The sesame oil is also an important ingredient, as it adds a distinct nutty flavor and aroma to the dish. By using it to cook the chicken and cashews, you can create a crispy exterior and a tender interior. And with the addition of fresh ginger and garlic, you'll get a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Finally, the cashews add a nice crunch and texture to the dish, making it a satisfying and filling meal. By stir-frying them with the chicken and sauce, you can create a cohesive and flavorful dish that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great stir-fry, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. That's why I've carefully selected each ingredient in this recipe to ensure that it adds flavor, texture, and nutrition to the dish. From the tender chicken and crunchy cashews to the savory sauce and fresh aromatics, every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a delicious and balanced meal.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe. Be sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the dish.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessI prefer to use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they are easier to cook and more tender than bone-in thighs. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs have more flavor and texture.
1/2 cup (60g) cashewsCashews are a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a nice crunch and texture to the dish. You can also use other nuts like almonds or walnuts if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential in this recipe, as it adds a bright, pungent flavor to the dish. Be sure to mince it finely so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, gratedFresh ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish, and is a key ingredient in many Asian recipes. Be sure to grate it finely so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauceSoy sauce is a staple ingredient in many Asian recipes, and provides a salty, umami flavor to the dish. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer, but the regular version has more flavor and depth.
1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauceOyster sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can omit it if you're vegetarian or vegan, but it adds a lot of depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
1 tbsp (15ml) hoisin sauceHoisin sauce is a thick, syrupy sauce made from soybeans, fruits, and spices. It adds a sweet, savory flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the other ingredients.
1 tsp (5g) sesame oilSesame oil is a distinct, nutty oil that adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Use it to cook the chicken and cashews, and to add a finishing touch to the sauce.
1/4 cup (30g) scallions, choppedScallions add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish, and provide a nice texture contrast to the other ingredients. You can use them as a garnish, or stir them into the sauce for added flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteSeason the dish with salt and pepper to taste, as this will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also add other seasonings like sugar, chili flakes, or five-spice powder if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oilVegetable oil is a neutral-tasting oil that's perfect for stir-frying. You can use other oils like peanut or avocado oil if you prefer, but vegetable oil is a good all-purpose choice.
2 cups (200g) mixed vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)Mixed vegetables add a pop of color and texture to the dish, and provide a lot of fiber and nutrients. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, but bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli are a good starting point.

Ingredients for Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry

1
Prepare the ingredients by chopping the scallions, grating the ginger, and mincing the garlic. This will help to release their flavors and aromas, and make them easier to cook with.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. This will create a balanced and flavorful sauce that's perfect for stir-frying.
3
Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat with the sauce. This will help to marinate the chicken and add flavor to the dish.
4
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will help to cook the chicken quickly and evenly, and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
5
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This will help to lock in the juices and flavors of the chicken, and make it tender and delicious.
6
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This will help to prevent the chicken from overcooking, and make it easier to stir-fry the other ingredients.
7
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet, then add the cashews and cook until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. This will help to add a nice crunch and texture to the dish, and provide a lot of flavor.
8
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. This will help to add a pop of color and texture to the dish, and provide a lot of fiber and nutrients.
9
Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. This will help to release their flavors and aromas, and make the dish more delicious and fragrant.
10
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then pour in the sauce and stir to combine. This will help to bring all the flavors together, and create a balanced and savory sauce.
11
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the ingredients are well coated. This will help to create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.
12
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately. This will help to add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish, and make it more delicious and appealing.

Expert Tips

Use high heat to cook the chicken and cashews, as this will help to create a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Don't overcook the vegetables, as this will make them mushy and unappetizing.
Use a variety of vegetables to add color and texture to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find the flavor you like best.
Use a wok or large skillet to cook the dish, as this will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan.
Add aromatics like garlic and ginger to the dish, as they will add a lot of flavor and depth to the sauce.
Use sesame oil to add a distinct, nutty flavor to the dish.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately, as this will help to add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken and vegetables, which can make them dry and unappetizing.
Not using high heat to cook the ingredients, which can make them soggy and unappealing.
Not seasoning the dish with salt and pepper, which can make it taste bland and uninteresting.
Not using a variety of vegetables to add color and texture to the dish.
Not experimenting with different seasonings and sauces to find the flavor you like best.
Not garnishing the dish with chopped scallions and serving immediately, which can make it look unappealing and stale.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli to the dish to add more color and texture.
Use different seasonings and sauces to find the flavor you like best.
Add nuts or seeds like almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds to the dish for added crunch and texture.
Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian or vegan version of the dish.
Add aromatics like garlic and ginger to the dish to add more flavor and depth to the sauce.
Use sesame oil to add a distinct, nutty flavor to the dish.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately to add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.

What to Serve With Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry

This Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and drinks. Some options include steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables, as well as a refreshing salad or a bowl of soup. You can also serve it with a side of bread or crackers for a more filling meal.

Some other options for serving this dish include:

Steamed riceNoodlesVegetablesSaladSoupBread or crackers

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place the cooked dish in an airtight container and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the dish, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating the dish is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. Simply place the cooked dish in the microwave and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or place it in a saucepan on the stovetop and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

I prefer to use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they are easier to cook and more tender than bone-in thighs. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs have more flavor and texture.

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds or walnuts if you prefer. Simply chop them up and add them to the dish in place of the cashews.

How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy?

To prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy, be sure to cook them until they're tender-crisp, but still retain some of their crunch. You can also add them towards the end of the cooking time, so they don't overcook.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat it when you're ready to eat it.

What are some other ingredients I can add to this recipe?

Some other ingredients you can add to this recipe include bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables. You can also add aromatics like garlic and ginger to the dish for added flavor and depth.

How do I garnish the dish with chopped scallions?

To garnish the dish with chopped scallions, simply chop up some scallions and sprinkle them on top of the dish. You can also add other garnishes like sesame seeds or chopped nuts if you prefer.

Can I serve this dish with other sides?

Yes, you can serve this dish with a variety of sides, including steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables. You can also serve it with a refreshing salad or a bowl of soup.

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, simply place it in the microwave and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or place it in a saucepan on the stovetop and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.

The Full Recipe

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