Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Cashews
Tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce, finished with crunchy cashews for texture. This asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts, soy sauce, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup, sliced water chestnuts
- 1/2 cup, unsalted roasted cashews
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp, minced ginger
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 lb chicken cubes with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch, then set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 4: Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 5: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, 1 tsp minced ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, pour in sauce mixture and 1/2 cup chicken broth, and stir constantly for 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Stir in 1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews and 1 tbsp sesame oil, then cook for 1 more minute. Serve over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Cashews take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Cashews?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Cashews?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Cashews for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Cashews?
Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
