Irresistible Healthy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about a sizzling stir fry that wafts through your kitchen, right? Picture this: vibrant veggies dancing alongside tender chicken, each bite bursting with flavor, and the heavenly aroma wrapping around you like a warm hug. That’s what you get with healthy cashew chicken stir fry—a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body.

Now, let me tell you a little secret: I used to think healthy meals were bland and sad. But then I discovered this recipe during a chaotic week of meal prepping—frozen dinners were not cutting it anymore. With its delightful crunch and savory sweetness, this stir fry quickly became my go-to dish for busy nights and spontaneous dinner parties alike.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t stop raving about it. Their delighted faces made all the chopping worth it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for a hearty meal; feel free to adjust for more or fewer people.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves to ensure maximum flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic in stir fries!

• Bell Peppers: Bright colors not only enhance visual appeal but also add sweetness; go for red, yellow, or orange varieties.

• Cabbage: Use green or Napa cabbage for crunch; it adds great texture without overwhelming flavors.

• Cashews: Roasted unsalted cashews bring a nutty richness; they add both crunch and healthy fats to the dish.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce; it helps control saltiness while still providing that essential umami kick.

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweetness balances out the saltiness; use maple syrup if you’re going vegan!

• Ginger Paste: Fresh ginger elevates flavors with its zesty kick; it’s a must-have for authentic taste.

• Cornstarch: Use to thicken the sauce beautifully; it gives your stir fry that glossy finish we all love.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make healthy cashew chicken stir fry

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking throughout. Slice your bell peppers and shred the cabbage while dreaming of how incredible this stir fry will be.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, ginger paste, and honey or maple syrup. Toss in your chicken pieces until they’re generously coated for about 15 minutes—this step amps up the flavor.

Sauté The Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through—around 5-7 minutes should do the trick! Keep an eye out for that mouthwatering aroma.

Add Vegetables: Toss in your bell peppers and cabbage next! Stir-fry them together until they soften slightly yet retain their crunch—about 3-4 minutes ensures they stay vibrant.

Incorporate Cashews: Now comes the fun part! Add those gorgeous roasted cashews into the mix. Stir everything together so those nutty flavors meld beautifully with the vegetables and chicken.

Thicken The Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into your pan while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens—another minute should do it!

Serve Hot: Remove from heat when everything’s perfectly combined and glistening. Serve your healthy cashew chicken stir fry hot over rice or noodles—your taste buds are about to party!

And there you have it—a scrumptious healthy cashew chicken stir fry that’s not only easy to whip up but also brings joy to any dining table! Enjoy every bite as you relish in both its flavor and simplicity.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then sauté the vegetables while cooking the chicken for maximum flavor and efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cashews for peanuts or add tofu for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different veggies like snow peas or bell peppers.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat to maintain texture and flavor.

Sometimes, I serve this dish when friends come over, and they rave about how simple yet delicious it is, which always brings a smile to my face!

FAQ

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.

What vegetables work best in this stir fry?

Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots add great flavor and texture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha during cooking for an extra kick!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Healthy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Healthy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties. Tender chicken breast, crunchy bell peppers, and roasted cashews create a delightful texture while a savory-sweet sauce brings everything together. This stir fry is not only visually appealing but also nutritious, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red and yellow)
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded (green or Napa)
• 1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces and slicing vegetables.
2. In a bowl, marinate chicken with soy sauce, ginger paste, and honey/maple syrup for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté marinated chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
4. Add bell peppers and cabbage; stir-fry until slightly softened (3-4 minutes).
5. Mix in cashews and combine well.
6. Pour in cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce while stirring constantly for about a minute.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg