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Home Meal Type Dinner
4.94
/5
30 minutes

Maple Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir Fry (30 Minutes)

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Gluten Free Gluten Free Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard60 Comments
Posted: 1/5/20 Updated: 12/8/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

A simple cashew chicken stir fry packed with veggies, sprinkled with cashews, and tossed in a sticky maple ginger stir fry sauce. Works great for an easy weeknight dinner or for meal prep.

In search of a simple, tasty, stir fry recipe to mix up your routine? This maple ginger chicken stir fry is the one, friend.

cashew chicken stir fry in a bowl with rice

With a sweet, sticky stir fry sauce, and crunchy cashews, what's not to love?!

This reader favorite stir fry makes a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, but also works amazingly well for meal prep. It was actually a recipe in one our Meal Prep Challenges!

Not only is it easy to prepare, but extremely flexible. You could make it vegetarian, or swap for what you have in your fridge. Let's discuss!

Reasons you'll ♡ maple ginger cashew chicken stir fry

  • it's simple to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes
  • you can swap the veggies for what you have in the fridge
  • it works great for meal prep

Stir fry video

Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped this stir fry. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

ingredients for chicken with cashew nuts on cutting board

Let's talk ingredients

  • chicken- I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs would work as well. For a tasty vegetarian option, press and sautee some cubed tofu. Follow the method in this post!
  • cashews- I used salted, roasted cashews. If you have raw cashews, you might want to take some time to toast them first.
  • aromatics- onion, garlic and ginger build the flavors up in this stir fry!
  • veggies- I used a mixture of broccoli and red pepper. You can use pretty much any veggie in this stir fry- bagged stir fry mix is a great shortcut!
  • maple ginger sauce- maple syrup, reduced sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and a bit of cornstarch to thicken. So simple!

close up of the chicken for the chicken cashew stir fry in frying pan

Wondering what to serve with stir fry?

  • rice- see how to cook perfect, fluffy rice
  • brown rice- see how to cook perfect, fluffy brown rice
  • cauliflower rice- see how to make cauliflower rice
  • zucchini noodles- see how to cook zucchini noodles

Want to switch your sauce up? Check out this post with 7 Stir Fry Sauce Recipes!

overhead view of cashew chicken stir fry in frying pan

Tips for the perfect stir fry

  • get organized- I like to have all my veggies + chicken chopped and my stir fry sauce shaken up before I start cooking.
  • meal prep- this recipe works for meal prep in two different ways:
    1. prep ahead but don't cook- (3-5 days ahead; depends on the dates on your chicken) chop your veggies and chicken, shake up your sauce. This will save valuable time when you go to cook up your dinner.
    2. cook ahead- cook your stir fry, portion out with rice and store in the fridge (up to 4 days) or the freezer (up to 3 months). Note that your cashews won't stay crispy unless you keep them separate.
  • storage- after cooking, this recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • cashews- if you are looking for that crunch factor from your cashews, add them fresh to your stir fry.

chicken with cashew nuts in bowl with rice

More stir fry recipes

  • Easy Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir Fry
  • Peanut Ginger Tofu Stir Fry
  • Lemon Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
  • Honey Sriracha Chicken Stir Fry
  • Instant Pot Coconut Sweet Chili Stir Fry

This post was originally published in 2015. It has been republished in 2020 with fresh photos and a new video. Same great recipe!

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

overhead shot of gray bowl filled with maple ginger cashew chicken stir fry

Maple Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir Fry (30 Minutes)

4.94 from 16 votes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Print Rate
A simple cashew chicken stir fry packed with veggies, sprinkled with cashews, and tossed in a sticky maple ginger stir fry sauce. Works great for an easy weeknight dinner or for meal prep.
4

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch cubes)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons ginger (finely grated)
  • 1 bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 head broccoli (small head, cut into 1 inch florets)
  • ⅓ cup cashews

Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce (swap for tamari for gluten-free)
  • 5 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ¼-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch (or ½ tablespoon arrowroot starch)

To serve:

  • Rice

Instructions 

  • Shake together the stir fry sauce and set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a frying pan.
  • Add the onion to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, until onion is soft.
  • Add the bell peppers and broccoli, and cook for 5 more minutes or until softened. Transfer veggies to a clean plate.
  • Add the reserved 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Add chicken and cook for 7-10 minutes, until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
  • Make a space in the pan and add the garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the stir fry sauce to the pan. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vegetables and cashews.
  • Serve over rice.

Storage

  • This recipe makes a great meal prep lunch. Store in 2 cup capacity meal prep containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips:

nutritional information does not include rice.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/4 batch, Calories: 419kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 591mg, Potassium: 1175mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 1950IU, Vitamin C: 178mg, Calcium: 119mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
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Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

Read more...

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Recipe Rating




  1. Amanda says

    Posted on 7/6/22 at Posted on 7/6/22

    5 stars
    I cook a lot. For my family (3kids). This was SOOOOO GOOD. I couldn’t stop eating! I doubled the red pepper and had the best broccolini. Might be one of my favorites, EVER!!

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 7/11/22 at Posted on 7/11/22

      Hi Amanda! I'm so happy to hear this! Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review 😀

      Reply
  2. Pat says

    Posted on 1/29/22 at Posted on 1/29/22

    4 stars
    Hi, I haven't made this yet, but it looks scrumptious!!! I wonder if can get away with using less sugar or even a substitute in place of it?

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 2/2/22 at Posted on 2/2/22

      Hi Pat, We hope you enjoy when you try it! As we haven't tested it, I can't say for sure but you may be able to get away with cutting the maple syrup in half 2 1/2 tablespoons) instead of 5 tablespoons. That being said, the maple syrup is added to balance out the saltiness from the soy sauce - so we don't recommend eliminating it. Another reader had mentioned the possibility of using maple falvor extract instead - but we haven't heard any reports back on how this turned out. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  3. Meg says

    Posted on 1/28/22 at Posted on 1/28/22

    Hi! Can you explain how this would work as a freezer meal? Like do you cook it ahead of time and then freeze it or put the chicken and veggies in raw and then throw it in the crockpot from the freezer? I'm new to freezing meals.

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 1/29/22 at Posted on 1/29/22

      Hi Meg - yes cook ahead, then freeze for up to 3 months. Note that your cashews won't stay crispy unless you keep them separate. Since you are new to freezer meals (you're in the right place!) - check out this post on freezer meal do's and don'ts, as well as this post with 59 freezer meals the whole family will love! I hope this helps 🙂

      Reply
  4. Sue says

    Posted on 1/10/22 at Posted on 1/10/22

    5 stars
    Made this and it was great, definitely will be making again.

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 1/10/22 at Posted on 1/10/22

      Hi Sue, so glad you enjoyed this chicken stir fry - always great to find a new favorite to add to your rotation! Thanks for taking the time to come back to leave a rating and review!

      Reply
  5. Cindy says

    Posted on 1/9/22 at Posted on 1/9/22

    5 stars
    I didn't have all the ingredients but was looking for a quick idea for a stir fry sauce. I loved the sauce. I cooked from my pantry this night and had Canton/Pancit Noodles, Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables, and ground Pork. Not having onions but had some sliced green onions for top. I plan to make your recipe next week. I'm sure it will be a hit. But I must say, The sauce made a crazy throw together meal a WIN! Thanks for your recipe.

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 1/10/22 at Posted on 1/10/22

      Hi Cindy, love that this was a win for you! Thanks for taking the time to come back to leave a rating and review, and we hope you enjoy this recipe even more next time you make it with all the ingredients! Cheers!

      Reply
  6. sheky says

    Posted on 1/27/21 at Posted on 1/27/21

    it was goooooooood!!!1

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 1/27/21 at Posted on 1/27/21

      Woo hoo! Happy to hear that. Thanks for reporting back 🙂

      Reply
  7. Brittney Jacobs says

    Posted on 9/25/20 at Posted on 9/25/20

    Can you do this in the instant pot?

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 9/28/20 at Posted on 9/28/20

      Hi Brittney! Unfortunately, I don't think that there are enough liquids in this recipe to bring your pot to pressure. Here's a good 'stir fry' style recipe for the Instant Pot if you're looking for one! https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/instant-pot-honey-sesame-chicken-breast-video/

      Reply
  8. Karen says

    Posted on 5/18/20 at Posted on 5/18/20

    5 stars
    Easy and delicious - will definitely make again!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 6/1/20 at Posted on 6/1/20

      So happy to hear you enjoyed, Karen! Thank you for coming back to leave a review!

      Reply
  9. Dana says

    Posted on 2/27/18 at Posted on 2/27/18

    Made the Maple Ginger Chicken Stir-fry tonight. It was so easy and delish!! The hubby had seconds and said it was a keeper!! Thank you so much and looking forward to trying more of your recipe.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/27/18 at Posted on 2/27/18

      I'm so happy you liked it, Dana! Thanks for reporting back 🙂

      Reply
      • Anna says

        Posted on 8/8/21 at Posted on 8/8/21

        This is one of my family's favorites! Do you think it would freeze OK?

        Reply
        • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

          Posted on 8/9/21 at Posted on 8/9/21

          Hi Anna, we're so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Yes it does freeze well. After cooking, this recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. See the "tips" section of this post for more info on meal prep and storage.

          Reply
  10. Amber W says

    Posted on 6/16/17 at Posted on 6/16/17

    Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 6/18/17 at Posted on 6/18/17

      Hi Amber, I've only ever made this sauce as written so I'm not sure how it would taste without the sesame oil. I think it might lose some of it's dimension.

      Reply
  11. Lori VanDamme says

    Posted on 2/1/16 at Posted on 2/1/16

    would maple falvor extract work in place of the maple syrup?? I am trying to cut down on my sugar intake?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/1/16 at Posted on 2/1/16

      Hi Lori! I can't say for sure. The sweetness from the maple syrup balances the saltiness of the soy sauce, and I think the whole thing would be a bit boring without the sweet part. But I had considered adding some maple extract to increase the maple flavors. Let me know if you try it!

      Reply
  12. Melanie says

    Posted on 1/1/16 at Posted on 1/1/16

    I finally made this recipe, after getting tired of Christmas leftovers. A great combination of sweet, salty and spicy. Even my toddler loved the flavours! 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/1/16 at Posted on 1/1/16

      I'm so glad to hear that, Melanie! My toddler needs to take some notes from your toddler 😉

      Reply
      • Melanie says

        Posted on 1/4/16 at Posted on 1/4/16

        My toddler only ate the rice and sauce. Nevertheless, a win!!

        Reply
  13. Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says

    Posted on 11/8/15 at Posted on 11/8/15

    Your weeknight meal schedule sounds familiar...although I don't start out ambitious at all haha. Anything made from scratch is good enough for me! I need this stir fry in my life!

    Reply
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Hi, I'm Denise

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

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