Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken and Cashews

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and flavorful Whole30 stir-fry featuring tender chicken strips, crunchy cashews, and spiralized zucchini noodles. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs raw, unsalted cashews, coconut aminos, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet along with 3 tbsp coconut aminos and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using). Toss gently and cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but not mushy.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add 1/3 cup raw cashews and 2 sliced green onions. Stir well to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken and Cashews 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken 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 raw, unsalted cashews from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken and Cashews 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.

Is Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken and Cashews whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten 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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