Description
This Healthy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and nutritious meal packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful peanut sauce made with natural ingredients. Ready in just 20 minutes, this stir fry offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into small chunks)
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 Tbsp garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup unsalted cashews
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 3 Tbsp all-natural peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp grated ginger
- 2 to 3 Tbsp water
Garnish
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring the chicken as needed. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil onto the hot skillet and add broccoli florets, red bell pepper chunks, and sugar snap peas. Cook the vegetables, stirring frequently, until they become tender, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Prepare the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low sodium soy sauce, all-natural peanut butter, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to achieve your preferred sauce consistency and set the sauce aside.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tender vegetables. Add minced garlic and cook for about one minute. Next, stir in the unsalted cashews and pour the peanut sauce over the mixture. Stir well to coat all ingredients, bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and everything is incorporated.
- Serve: Sprinkle the stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds as a garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, healthy meal!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
- Adjust honey quantity for more or less sweetness according to taste.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
- Cashews can be swapped with other nuts like almonds or peanuts if preferred.
- Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
