Chicken Cashew and Broccoli Stir-Fry

The combination of savory chicken, crunchy cashews, and crisp-tender broccoli in a silky garlic-ginger sauce makes this dish a wholesome weeknight favorite. It’s packed with flavor, ready in under 30 minutes, and far better than your average takeout meal. Each bite delivers a balance of textures and tastes—from the richness of toasted cashews to the fresh bite of broccoli.

This stir-fry recipe is ideal for those following gluten-free, dairy-free, or clean-eating diets. It’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and flexible enough to toss in your favorite veggies or protein alternatives. Whether served with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced into thin strips

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 small yellow onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets

• ½ cup unsalted roasted cashews

• 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• 1 tsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch

• 2 tbsp water

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

• Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving

• Optional: green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix tamari, vinegar, maple syrup, arrowroot powder, and water. Set aside.

2. Heat sesame oil and avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add red pepper and broccoli. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until just tender-crisp.

6. Return chicken to the pan. Stir in the cashews.

7. Pour in the sauce mixture. Toss everything to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

8. Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Stir-fries have long been a staple in many kitchens across the world thanks to their ease, flexibility, and unbeatable flavor. Among them, Chicken Cashew and Broccoli Stir-Fry stands out as a beloved favorite—fusing the rich nuttiness of roasted cashews, the vibrant crunch of broccoli, and the savory tenderness of marinated chicken, all brought together in a silky garlic-ginger sauce. It’s a wholesome, one-pan wonder that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences while accommodating various dietary lifestyles like gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly eating.

The Origins and Global Appeal of Stir-Fry Cuisine

The art of stir-frying originated in Chinese cuisine, where quick-cooking techniques were developed not only to preserve nutrients but also to accommodate fast-paced lifestyles and limited fuel sources. This method soon spread throughout Asia and, eventually, the world—thanks to its practicality and mouthwatering results. Chicken and cashew stir-fry is particularly inspired by Cantonese cooking, though you’ll find similar versions across Thai, Vietnamese, and Western cuisines.

This fusion-friendly dish has been adapted over the years to suit modern dietary preferences, and this particular version uses tamari or low-sodium soy sauce, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, and heart-healthy oils such as sesame and avocado oil. The result? A dish that respects tradition while evolving to meet today’s nutritional standards.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike many overly sweet or sodium-heavy restaurant stir-fries, this homemade version puts balance and health at the forefront. Here’s why this recipe rises above the rest:

1. Nutrient Density in Every Bite:
   With broccoli supplying fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and chicken bringing in lean protein, this stir-fry is incredibly well-rounded. Cashews contribute healthy fats, magnesium, and a satisfying crunch, making this a complete meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
2. Quick and Fuss-Free:
   You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a restaurant-quality meal. This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect choice for weeknight dinners when time is limited but you still want something nourishing and satisfying.
3. One Skillet = Easy Clean-Up:
   Minimal equipment means minimal mess. Everything is cooked in a single skillet or wok, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy your meal.
4. Family-Friendly and Versatile:
   Even picky eaters tend to love this stir-fry because of its mild but rich flavor profile. Want it spicier? Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce. Looking for a vegetarian version? Sub in tofu or tempeh and skip the meat. You can also swap in snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand.
5. Meal Prep Friendly:
   This dish stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully. Whether you’re planning lunches for the week or stocking up on dinners for busy nights, this stir-fry holds its flavor and texture incredibly well.

Ingredient Highlights and Health Benefits

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts:
  Packed with protein to help maintain lean muscle and keep you full. Chicken is also a great source of B vitamins and selenium.
• Broccoli:
  Often hailed as a superfood, broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s excellent for supporting immune health, bone strength, and digestive health.
• Cashews:
  These buttery nuts offer healthy monounsaturated fats, magnesium, copper, and iron. They support brain function, heart health, and help reduce inflammation.
• Ginger and Garlic:
  Not only do these ingredients add bold flavor, but they also have strong anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. They’re natural antibiotics and digestive aids.
• Tamari (or Soy Sauce):
  Offers that classic umami depth with fewer additives when you choose gluten-free tamari. It’s a cleaner option for those who are sensitive to wheat or gluten.
• Maple Syrup or Honey:
  These natural sweeteners round out the salty and savory notes without overwhelming the dish with refined sugar.
• Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch:
  Acts as a natural thickener to give that glossy, smooth finish to the sauce. Arrowroot is often preferred in clean eating diets as it’s grain-free and easier to digest.

Perfect for All Types of Diets

This recipe is a flexible, inclusive dish for many dietary styles:

• Gluten-Free: Just use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Dairy-Free: No dairy in the base recipe, making it naturally lactose-free.
• Paleo-Friendly: By using coconut aminos in place of tamari and sticking with arrowroot as a thickener, this recipe fits neatly into a paleo diet.
• Low Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice to keep the carbs in check while still enjoying a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Flavor-wise, this dish is a knockout. The umami from the tamari, the zing from ginger, and the sweet contrast from honey or maple syrup all blend together into a sauce that clings to every piece of chicken and veggie. Texture-wise, you get the best of all worlds—crisp-tender broccoli, soft juicy chicken, and crunchy cashews. There’s nothing one-dimensional about this meal.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. It’s one of those go-to meals that becomes part of your regular rotation—not just because it’s delicious, but because it works with your lifestyle and leaves you feeling satisfied.

Final Thoughts: Nourishment Meets Simplicity

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all searching for meals that are nutritious, delicious, and simple to prepare. This Chicken Cashew and Broccoli Stir-Fry checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of dish that supports your health goals without sacrificing the comforting flavors you crave. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit whatever you have in your pantry or whatever dietary needs you’re working around.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts flavorful, fulfilling, and fast, give this stir-fry a try. It might just become your new favorite way to eat chicken and veggies.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cashew and Broccoli Stir-Fry is more than just a quick weeknight dinner—it’s a balanced, flavor-packed meal that brings together the best of nutritious ingredients and bold, satisfying taste. With its crisp-tender vegetables, protein-rich chicken, crunchy roasted cashews, and a glossy garlic-ginger sauce, each bite offers comfort and nourishment in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a wholesome stir-fry, this recipe delivers every time. It’s simple to customize, naturally gluten-free, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.