Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli and Cashew Sauce
A Whole30-friendly stir-fry combining tender chicken breast and crisp broccoli in a savory, nutty cashew sauce, free from grains and dairy. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes blends thinly sliced chicken breast, broccoli florets, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes raw cashews
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain 1/3 cup soaked raw cashews and blend them with 1/2 cup water, 3 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger until smooth to create the cashew sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast, season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Pour the prepared cashew sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh ginger if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli and Cashew Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli and Cashew Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli and Cashew Sauce?
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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli and Cashew Sauce 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.
Is Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli and Cashew Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.