Stir-Fried Chicken with Zucchini and Cashew Nuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Whole30-compliant stir-fry combining tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and crunchy cashews in a savory coconut aminos sauce. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs unsalted cashew nuts, coconut aminos, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb bite-sized chicken thigh pieces seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove chicken from skillet.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil. Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 sliced medium zucchinis and stir-fry for 4 minutes until zucchini is tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to skillet along with 1/2 cup unsalted cashew nuts, 3 tbsp coconut aminos, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using). Stir-fry for 2 more minutes until everything is heated through and sauce coats the ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 thinly sliced green onions over the top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Zucchini and Cashew Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Zucchini and Cashew Nuts?

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 unsalted cashew nuts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Zucchini and Cashew Nuts?

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 Zucchini and Cashew Nuts 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 Zucchini and Cashew Nuts gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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