Scrumptious Cashew Chicken Recipe

Name: Scrumptious Cashew Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil; 3 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp cornstarch (for sauce); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 small zucchini, sliced; 1/2 cup roasted unsalted cashews; 2 green onions, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

Posted on December 24, 2025

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Introduction

This Scrumptious Cashew Chicken is a restaurant-quality stir-fry that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Tender pieces of chicken breast are tossed in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce with crisp vegetables and crunchy roasted cashews. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and flavors — rich, nutty, slightly garlicky, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you crave takeout-style comfort food right at home.

cashew chicken served over white rice with

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 25 minutes — faster than takeout
Perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and nutty flavor
Great for meal prep or family dinners
Easily customizable with your favorite veggies
One-pan stir-fry for minimal cleanup

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small zucchini, sliced
½ cup roasted unsalted cashews
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes while preparing sauce and vegetables.

close up of cashew chicken stir fry in a

Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine and Sauce It Up
Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir constantly until thickened and glossy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the Cashews
Stir in roasted cashews and toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Serve and Garnish
Top with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

Use roasted unsalted cashews to prevent overpowering saltiness.
Cut chicken and vegetables evenly for quick, uniform cooking.
Stir constantly to avoid burning the sauce.
Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha for heat.
For extra shine, add 1 tsp of honey at the end.

Variations & Substitutions

Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce.
Vegetarian: Substitute tofu or tempeh for chicken.
Crunch Boost: Add water chestnuts or snap peas.
Sweet Twist: Use pineapple chunks instead of zucchini.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and GF oyster sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with jasmine rice or brown rice for a full meal.
Pair with noodles for an Asian-inspired dinner.
Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months (without cashews). Add fresh cashews when reheating.
Reheat: Stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat or microwave gently with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Boneless thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.

How do I make it spicier?
Add red chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, store the sauce separately and combine just before serving.

Are the cashews added raw or roasted?
Use roasted unsalted cashews — they give the best crunch and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.