This simple recipe creates a cashew chicken dish that is healthy and delicious. Full of flavor, and low on carbs, it is sure to become a family favorite!

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SIMPLE CASHEW CHICKEN

I am constantly on the hunt for family friendly dishes that can be made quickly. Let’s face it, with five kids to care for, I don’t have time to mess around with overly complicated recipes. This meal can be ready in less than 20 minutes, and all in one pot – which makes cleaning up a breeze!

Both of our daughters are Chinese, and we also try to include meals that reflect their birth culture. This recipe is very flavorful and fragrant. It also has a wonderful nutty texture that makes it fun to eat!

HOW TO MAKE CASHEW CHICKEN

Watch the step by step video for instructions on how to make this delicious recipe, and read below for details on ingredients and kitchen tools needed.

CASHEW CHICKEN INGREDIENTS

This combination of healthy ingredients pack a high protein punch – to fill you up, without the extra calories you might get from takeout Chinese.

Ingredients

4-6 Chicken breasts (cooked + cut into 1 inch pieces) OR 1 bag of precooked frozen chicken strips

1 cup natural cashews

1 red bell pepper

4 dates (pits removed)

1 bunch spring/green onions

1/2 cup gluten free soy sauce

4 TBSP apple cider vinegar

4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil

Kitchen Tools

cutting board + knife

large saucepan

wooden spoon

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

Making this cashew chicken recipe is super simple. Follow these instructions for a perfect dish every time!

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, add cashews and allow them to toast for 5 minutes over medium heat – stirring frequently
2. While cashews are toasting, dice the onions and pepper
3. Add olive oil to the pan, then diced vegetables. Saute’ for 5 additional minutes
4. Cut dates into small pieces. Be sure to remove the pits!
5. Add precooked chicken to the pan, then soy sauce, vinegar, and dates
6. Let the entire mixture simmer on Low/medium heat for 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens
7. If desired, cook rice or cauliflower rice to serve mixture over

This cashew chicken mixture is delicious on it’s own. But if you need to make your meals stretch further, as we do in our house, serve over white rice or cauliflower rice. An additional, delicious option is to use the mixture to fill lettuce wraps. Yum!

SHOP THIS POST

My favorite kitchen items, used for this recipe.

cutting board | stainless steel sauce pan | wooden spoon | chopsticks | white bowl

PRINT THIS CASHEW CHICKEN RECIPE

Healthy Cashew Chicken

If you love the taste of Chinese take-out, but want to cut down on calories, try this healthy cashew chicken alternative. It is easy to make and oh-so flavorful!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• 4-6 chicken breasts cooked and diced
• 1 cup natural cashews
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 bunch spring/green onions
• 4 dates (pitted)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (gluten free)
• 4 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• 4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet or saucepan, add cashews and allow them to toast for 5 minutes over medium heat - stirring frequently
  
• While cashews are toasting, dice the onions and pepper
• Add olive oil to the pan, then diced vegetables. Saute' for 5 additional minutes
• Cut dates into small pieces. Be sure to remove the pits!
• Add precooked chicken to the pan, then soy sauce, vinegar, and dates
• Let the entire mixture simmer on low/medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until sauce thickens
• If desired, cook rice or cauliflower rice to serve mixture over

MAKE IT HEALTHY!

There are a few tips that will help you make this recipe as healthy as it can be. First, be sure to use all natural, non-salted cashew pieces. The salt will not be missed, I promise!

Also, look for non-sweetened dates. There are many varieties of dates that come pre-chopped for convenience, but it is likely that they contain quite a bit of additional sugar.

Gluten free, and reduced sodium soy sauce is also a healthy alternative to try for this recipe.

PIN THIS FOR LATER

For other healthy meal recipes, be sure to visit the recipe tab on the home page, and check out my Healthy Food Ideas Pinterest Board!

Looking for additional ‘make at home’ Chinese food recipes? This post is a great resource!