Name: Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil, divided use; 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or more to taste); 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons cold water; 2 tablespoons sliced green onions; 1/3 cup toasted cashews or almonds; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked brown rice for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you love dishes that pack a punch of flavor while keeping things fresh, colorful, and satisfying, then you’re going to adore this Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Vegetables Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix of tender chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, and toasted cashews all smothered in a perfectly balanced, spicy-sweet sauce. Every bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will brighten up your weeknight dinner routine without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan contains several small light brown cooked chicken pieces that are slightly browned on the edges, arranged randomly across the pan's surface. A wooden spatula with a smooth texture rests on top of some chicken pieces, positioned diagonally from the top right edge towards the center. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Vegetables Recipe comes down to simple, fresh ingredients that each play a key role. From the crisp broccoli to the punchy chili garlic sauce, every component brings texture, depth, and vibrant color to the dish.

Vegetable or olive oil (1 tablespoon, divided use): Essential for stir-frying the vegetables and chicken to golden perfection without sticking.
Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 1/4 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces): The star protein, providing tender, juicy bites.
Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds a satisfying crunch and bright green color.
Red bell pepper (1, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces): Offers sweetness and vibrant red tones to the dish.
Yellow onion (1, finely chopped): Creates a savory base with its natural sweetness when softened.
Minced fresh ginger (2 teaspoons): Brings a zesty warmth that enhances the spicy sauce’s depth.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Provides a salty, umami foundation for the sauce.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Chili garlic sauce (2 teaspoons or more to taste): Infuses the dish with its signature fiery kick.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the sauce for that perfect clingy texture.
Sliced green onions (2 tablespoons): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor as a garnish.
Toasted cashews or almonds (1/3 cup): Crunchy, nutty counterpoint that adds a lovely crunch.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
Optional cooked brown rice: Perfect for serving to soak up all the delicious sauce.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a teaspoon of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and starts to take on a lovely golden-brown hue. This creates a sweet and savory base for the dish. Next, toss in the broccoli florets along with a tablespoon of water, which helps them steam to tender crispness in just about 3 minutes. Add in the red bell pepper pieces and the freshly minced ginger, cooking for 2 more minutes until the peppers are just softened. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then transfer these veggies to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Wipe out the pan to remove any bits left behind, and add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil. Place the chicken pieces in the hot pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for around 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through but still juicy. Once browned, return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken, prepping for the next flavorful step.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Spicy-Sweet Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix up the sauce that makes this stir fry truly show-stopping. In a small bowl, blend the soy sauce, honey, and chili garlic sauce to balance savory, sweet, and spice. In another small bowl, stir the cornstarch together with two teaspoons of cold water until smooth. Combine this cornstarch mixture with the soy sauce blend and give it a good stir to ensure it’s perfectly mixed and ready to thicken the stir fry.

Step 4: Finish Cooking and Coat Everything in Sauce

Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken and vegetables and crank up the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a quick boil, cooking for about 30 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats every piece beautifully. The cornstarch will give the sauce that velvety texture that clings so well to the chicken and veggies. Lastly, sprinkle the toasted cashews and sliced green onions on top for an extra burst of crunch and flavor right before serving.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Vegetables Recipe

A white bowl holds a three-layered dish placed on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth and dark brown chopsticks in the background. The bottom layer is white rice, soft and slightly fluffy. The middle layer features bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly. The top layer is made of golden-brown cooked chicken cubes mixed with vibrant red bell pepper pieces, light brown cashew nuts, and garnished with small green spring onion slices. The colors are bright and fresh, showing a healthy stir-fry meal. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t overlook the joy of a good garnish! A sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions gives just the right fresh zing, while those toasted cashews add a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken and soft veggies. You could also toss on a handful of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce if you crave more heat.

Side Dishes

This Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Vegetables Recipe pairs wonderfully with a bed of fluffy brown rice, which absorbs every little bit of that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar can also add a cooling element alongside the spicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get a little creative? Serve your stir fry in warm lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held approach that’s perfect for casual dinners or parties. Alternatively, pile it on top of noodles or even use it as a filling in rice paper rolls for a refreshing twist. Presentation is all about matching the vibrant flavors with something equally inviting and eye-catching.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because everyone loves this one), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stir fry will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option or next-day lunch to look forward to.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but be aware that the texture of the vegetables, especially the broccoli and peppers, might soften a bit upon thawing. If freezing, put the stir fry in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for the best flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back some moisture and keep the chicken tender. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the crispness of the veggies and nuts.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a bit more richness and stay juicy during cooking. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate and can easily be adjusted. If you prefer it milder, reduce the chili garlic sauce, or increase it if you love things fiery. The honey also helps balance the spice beautifully.

Can I substitute the cashews with another nut?

Yes, almonds or peanuts work great as a substitute. Just make sure they are toasted to bring out their flavor and add that satisfying crunch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets, and double-check that your chili garlic sauce is gluten-free as well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

For a plant-based version, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and ensure your sauces are vegan-friendly. The technique remains the same, and the flavors still shine!

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Vegetables Recipe is one of those fantastic dishes that feels special but is honestly quick and easy to whip up. The balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch makes every forkful exciting, and it’s a perfect way to pack more vibrant veggies into your day. I truly hope you give this recipe a go soon — it might just become your new weeknight favorite!