Dinner

Chicken Stir-Fry with Cashews and Vegetables Recipe

ByMaya Arden April 21, 2026April 21, 2026

Introduction

This chicken stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with fresh vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a balanced meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

A close-up of a stir-fry dish in a metal pan shows three main layers: the bottom layer is a shiny, dark brown sauce with a glossy look; the middle layer contains vibrant green broccoli florets with textured buds and bright green stalks scattered evenly; the top layer has golden-brown chunks of cooked chicken with some pieces glistening from the sauce, beige cashew nuts with a smooth surface, and diced red bell peppers adding small red patches. A wooden spatula with a rich brown grain is resting on the food, partly covered by the ingredients, over a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon canola oil

1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
1 bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup raw cashews

Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and toasted sesame oil until well combined.
Step 2: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the cashews and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
Substitute cashews with peanuts or almonds for a different crunch and flavor.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier meat.

Storage

Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender.