Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew and Bell Peppers
A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and colorful bell peppers tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs roasted cashews, soy sauce, hoisin sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 12 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch strips chicken breast
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 1/3 cup roasted cashews
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh, minced ginger
- 2 stalks, chopped green onions
- 1 tsp mixed with 2 tbsp water cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz sliced chicken breast and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the edges are golden and chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the wok, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the wok, then add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Pour in the cornstarch slurry made with 1 tsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables, about 1 minute.
- Step 6: Toss in 1/3 cup roasted cashews and 2 chopped green onions. Stir for 30 seconds to heat through and combine flavors. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew and Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew and Bell Peppers?
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 roasted cashews from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew and Bell Peppers?
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 Cashew and Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Cashew and Bell Peppers?
Asian stir fry 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.