Cashew Chicken {Better than Takeout!}

Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish made with juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and crunchy cashews, all tossed in a garlicky, slightly spicy soy-based sauce. It’s a healthier alternative to takeout and comes together faster than waiting on delivery. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• Approximately 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 heaping cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced small

• 1 cup shelled frozen edamame

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

• 1 cup unsalted dry-roasted whole cashews
  
  

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Asian chili garlic sauce

• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
  
  

Instructions

1. Coat the Chicken:
   In a large zip-top bag, add cornstarch, diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake until the chicken is well coated.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat sesame oil and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until nearly cooked through.

3. Add Vegetables:
   Add the broccoli, red bell pepper, frozen edamame, and garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

4. Make the Sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and ground ginger until smooth.

5. Finish the Dish:
   Pour the sauce into the skillet and add the cashews. Stir everything together and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.

6. Serve:
   Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles, if desired.
   
   

Serving and Nutrition

• Servings: Makes about 5 servings.
  
  

• Nutrition (estimated per serving):
  
  

  • Calories: Approximately 350–400

  • Protein: 30–35g

  • Carbohydrates: 20–25g

  • Fat: 18–22g

  • Fiber: 3–5g

  • Sugar: 7–10g
    
    

(Nutrition values may vary based on brands and portion sizes. For more accurate results, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.)