A fast and flavorful Thai Cashew Chicken made with juicy chicken breast, crunchy cashews, and a bold savory sauce — perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
8 min
Total time
18 min
Servings
3
Chef's Tips
Use roasted unsalted cashews to save time.
Slice chicken thinly to ensure quick, even cooking.
Skip velveting for an even faster version, but it helps keep the chicken tender.
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Ingredients
Ingredients
Servings
3 servings1×
Scale
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Chicken
Main
Sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
(Optional) Velvet chicken by mixing sliced chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, and oil. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- 2
Mix the sauce ingredients (oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, water) in a bowl.
Cooking
- 1
Heat 1½ tbsp oil in a wok or non-stick skillet over high heat.
- 2
Add chicken in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 30 seconds, then stir-fry until mostly cooked.
- 3
Push chicken aside. Add remaining ½ tbsp oil if needed. Add garlic and onion, stir-fry 30 seconds.
- 4
Add cashews, white part of green onion, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir-fry 30–45 seconds.
- 5
Pour sauce over and toss for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- 6
Add green parts of green onion. Toss briefly.
- 7
Transfer to plates and serve hot with jasmine rice.
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Quick Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry 🍛🔥
Quick Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry 🍛🔥
If you love fast, bold, and seriously tasty Asian dinners, this Thai Cashew Chicken is your new weeknight hero. Juicy chicken, crunchy toasted cashews, sweet–savory aromatics, and a glossy umami-packed sauce come together in minutes — the kind of dish that feels restaurant-level but cooks faster than ordering takeout.
Why This Stir Fry Works So Well 💡
Why This Stir Fry Works So Well 💡
The magic lies in the combination of textures and umami-rich flavors. The chicken stays tender (especially if you velvet it!), the cashews add buttery crunch, and the sauce clings beautifully to every bite. It’s balanced, satisfying, and incredibly quick — perfect after a busy day.
The Flavour Profile 🌶️🥜
The Flavour Profile 🌶️🥜
This dish brings:
- Umami depth from oyster and dark soy sauce
- A salty-savory punch from fish sauce
- Natural sweetness to balance it
- Crunch from roasted cashews
- Aroma from garlic, onions, and green onions
Optional sliced red cayenne brings a touch of heat, but you can keep it mild and family-friendly too.
Step-by-Step Overview 👩🍳
Step-by-Step Overview 👩🍳
Start by preparing the chicken — velvet if you want ultimate tenderness, or skip it for speed. Mix your sauce, then crank up the heat on your wok.
Sear the chicken, sauté the aromatics, toss in crunchy nuts and fresh onions, then finish everything with that glossy Thai-style sauce. The result? A dish bursting with flavor in under 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions 🍚
Serving Suggestions 🍚
This stir fry is made for jasmine rice. The fluffy grains soak up the sauce perfectly.
You can also pair it with:
- Brown rice for extra fiber
- Cauliflower rice for a lighter option
- Rice noodles for a Thai take-out feel
Want to boost the veg? Add bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms — all work beautifully.
Tips for the Best Cashew Chicken ⭐
Tips for the Best Cashew Chicken ⭐
- Go for roasted unsalted cashews so you control the seasoning.
- Slice the chicken thinly for fast, even cooking.
- Velveting is optional but gives that restaurant-style tender bite.
- Dark soy sauce adds color — avoid substituting with regular soy.
- Cook on high heat for authentic stir-fry flavor.
Final Thoughts ✨
Final Thoughts ✨
This Quick Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is everything a weeknight dinner should be — balanced, bold, and incredibly easy. Whether you stick to chicken or swap in tofu, it’s a dish that always delivers.
Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you need something delicious in a hurry. Enjoy every crunchy, saucy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: About 1⅓ cups stir fry (without rice)
Calories 41021%
% Reference Intake*
Total Fat 22g31%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 80mg
Sodium 1100mg
Total Carbohydrates 15g6%
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 6g7%
Protein 32g64%
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
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Tom B.
· 4 May 2025Turned out fantastic. The cashews gave a lovely crunch and the sauce was restaurant-quality. Served with coconut rice—yum!
Priya S.
· 3 May 2025My family devoured this. I used tofu instead of chicken and it worked really well too. Great weeknight recipe!
Jordan W.
· 2 May 2025Super flavorful and quick! I skipped the fish sauce and it was still delicious. Definitely making again!
Melissa K.
· 2 May 2025Loved this recipe! The sauce was perfectly balanced—savory with just the right amount of sweetness. Added some bell peppers for extra crunch.
Alex R.
· 1 May 2025Wow! This tasted just like my favorite Thai restaurant's cashew chicken. Super easy and fast. I didn’t even velvet the chicken and it was still juicy!
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