When you’re craving a meal that is both fast and full of flavor, a stir-fry is always the answer. This recipe for Spicy Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect example. It brings together tender chicken, crisp-tender bell peppers, and a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce that clings to every piece. Topped with a satisfying crunch from roasted cashews and served over fluffy jasmine rice, it’s a complete, delicious, and incredibly satisfying meal that you can have on the table in just about 20minutes. This is a perfect solution for a busy weeknight and a great way to enjoy a homemade, delicious meal without a lot of fuss.

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Why I love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of recipes that are efficient and flavorful, and this one has it all. What I love most is the speed of a stir-fry. It allows you to cook all the ingredients quickly over high heat, preserving their vibrant color, texture, and nutrients. The sauce is a perfect balance of flavors—the salty soy sauce, the sweet honey, and the heat from the chili paste all come together to create a light but flavorful glaze. The best part is the addition of cashews. They add a wonderful, nutty crunch that is a perfect contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Stir-Fry:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
• 1−2 tbsp chili paste or sriracha

For the Base and Add-ins:

• 2 cups jasmine rice, steamed
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

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Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Chicken breast is a great choice for stir-fry because it cooks quickly. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful and moist result. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for firm tofu, pressed and cubed.
• Vegetables: This recipe is a great way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand. The user’s notes suggest adding broccoli, which would be a great addition. Other great options include snow peas, bok choy, or sliced carrots.
• Sauce: The cornstarch slurry is a crucial ingredient for this sauce. It’s what thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the chicken and vegetables. The amount of honey can be adjusted to your personal taste, as can the amount of chili paste for heat.
• Base: The user’s notes mention swapping jasmine rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, which is a fantastic idea. Quinoa also adds extra protein and a nutty flavor.
• Add-ins: The roasted cashews are a key ingredient for the flavor and texture of this dish. Be sure to use roasted, unsalted cashews. You can also add some sesame seeds or green onions for a finishing touch.

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List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Cook the Rice: Begin by preparing your jasmine rice. Cook 2 cups of rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, set it aside to steam while you prepare the stir-fry.
2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk until smooth.
5. Glaze the Stir-Fry: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Toss everything together, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coated everything in a beautiful, sticky glaze. Remove the pan from the heat.
6. Add Finishing Touches: Toss in the roasted cashews and sesame seeds. Give it a final stir. Serve immediately alongside the fluffy steamed rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

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Tips for Success

• Prep is Key: A stir-fry cooks very quickly, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook your chicken in a single layer to ensure it browns properly. If you add too much at once, the temperature of the pan will drop, and the chicken will steam instead of searing.
• High Heat is a Must: Use a high heat for stir-frying. This cooks the food quickly, gives it a nice sear, and helps the vegetables stay crisp-tender.
• Cornstarch Slurry: The cornstarch slurry is what thickens the sauce. Make sure you mix it with cold water first to prevent any clumps from forming.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and a grain, making it perfectly balanced on its own. For a simple and delicious finishing touch, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro is a great addition.

For a drink pairing, a light, crisp beer or a simple iced tea would complement the sweet and savory flavors of the stir-fry beautifully.

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Nutritional Information

(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)

This is a balanced and healthy meal. It provides lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and a variety of vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables. With an estimated calorie count of approximately 500 per serving, it’s a satisfying and well-rounded meal that is perfect for a healthy eating plan.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of this stir-fry are fantastic! You can store the chicken, vegetables, and rice together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but the best way to maintain a crispy texture is to briefly warm it in a skillet with a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Final Thoughts

This Spicy Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your household. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious weeknight meal. Let me know in the comments if you added any of your own special touches!