Name: Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup Soy Sauce; 3 teaspoons Minced Garlic; 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar; 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil; 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thigh (cut into bite-sized pieces); ¾ cup Chicken Broth; 1 teaspoon Cornstarch; 3 cups Broccoli Florets; 1 cup Cashews

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Do you ever find yourself craving something that strikes the perfect balance between savory and satisfying? For me, that dish is Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry. I remember the first time I made it. It was a busy weeknight, and I wanted something quick yet fulfilling. My kitchen filled with the aromatic scent of garlic as I sautéed the chicken, and before I knew it, I was transported back to my favorite local takeout spot. This dish not only brings comfort but also packs a punch with flavor and nutrition, making it a staple in my home.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Skillet, Whisk

What Sets This Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry Apart

Flavor Explosion

The combination of soy sauce, minced garlic, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering sauce that clings to each piece of chicken, infusing every bite with a rich, savory flavor. It’s sweet, salty, and absolutely addictive.

Healthy Ingredients

One of the things I love most about this Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry is the wholesome ingredients. The broccoli florets not only add a vibrant color but also provide essential nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.

Quick Cooking

This dish comes together in a flash! From prepping the ingredients to serving, you’ll spend less than 30 minutes in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.

Versatility

Feel free to customize the stir fry to your liking. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Craving some heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients.

Family-Friendly

Kids love stir fries, and this one is no exception. The crunch of the cashews and the tender chicken make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

Leftover Love

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), this dish reheats beautifully. Just pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick lunch the next day.

Key Ingredients for Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry

The beauty of this Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing taste and nutrition. The star players are the succulent boneless skinless chicken and the crunchy broccoli florets, but the supporting cast of soy sauce, brown sugar, and cashews elevate the dish to new heights.

Soy Sauce: ¼ cup – This salty and umami-rich ingredient forms the base of the sauce, providing depth of flavor.
Minced Garlic: 3 teaspoons – Adds a pungent kick that complements the chicken and enhances the overall taste.
Brown Sugar: 3 tablespoons – Introduces a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements, making the sauce irresistible.
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon – A fragrant oil that adds a nutty flavor and aroma, perfect for stir-frying.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thigh: 1 pound – Tender pieces of chicken that soak up the sauce and provide protein.
Chicken Broth: ¾ cup – Keeps the stir fry moist and flavorful while helping to cook the vegetables.
Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon – Used to thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
Broccoli Florets: 3 cups – Adds crunch and nutrition, making the dish colorful and healthy.
Cashews: 1 cup – Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that rounds out the dish.

Making Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry

Let’s dive into making this delicious Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry. The steps are straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip this up. Follow along, and soon you’ll be savoring this delightful dish!

Start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 teaspoons minced garlic, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
Next, heat a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh cut into bite-sized pieces. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the chicken cooks, take ¼ cup of the ¾ cup chicken broth and mix it in a small bowl with 1 teaspoon cornstarch until the cornstarch has completely dissolved. This will help thicken the sauce later.
Once the chicken is no longer pink, add the remaining ¾ cup chicken broth and toss in 3 cups broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and cook until the broccoli is tender, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
After the broccoli reaches your desired tenderness, it’s time to add the cornstarch mixture. Pour it into the skillet and stir gently. Cook over medium-low heat for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and broccoli.
Finally, stir in 1 cup cashews to add that crunchy texture, and give everything a final stir to combine. Serve your Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry over rice or enjoy it on its own!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. You want them all to reach that juicy perfection at the same time.
Broccoli Cooking Time: Don’t overcook the broccoli. You want it to retain its vibrant color and crunchy texture, which adds a lovely contrast to the tender chicken.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thickening as you’d like, let it simmer for a bit longer. This will concentrate the flavors and enhance the dish.
Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to taste the sauce before serving. You can always adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce.

Recipe Notes about Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry

Cooking is all about experimenting, and this Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry is no exception! Here are some tips to make your cooking experience even better.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze this stir fry for up to a month. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Pairing: Serve this stir fry with cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Noodles also work wonderfully!
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Protein Options: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist on this dish.

Great Combinations for Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry

When serving your Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry, there are countless options to elevate your meal. Consider these combinations:

Steamed Rice: A fluffy bowl of steamed rice is the perfect bed for your stir fry, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Quinoa: For a healthier grain option, serve it with quinoa, which adds protein and nutty flavor.
Spring Rolls: Start your meal off with fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables and herbs for a light appetizer.
Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds crunch and complements the warm stir fry.
Green Salad: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish while providing extra nutrients.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This stir fry is great for meal prep! Portion it out for quick lunches during a busy week.

FAQ

This Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You could also try it alongside a simple green salad or some fresh spring rolls for a light appetizer. The aim is to balance the savory flavors of the stir fry with something refreshing!

Absolutely! While chicken is a fantastic choice, you can easily swap it for shrimp, beef, or even tofu to make it vegetarian. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly, especially for proteins that cook faster like shrimp. It’s a great way to customize the dish to suit your preferences!

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. It’s a perfect option for meal prep!

Yes! To make this Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just ensure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking. This way, you’ll get a satisfying texture and flavor while keeping it plant-based!

Conclusion

The Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavor and warmth. Each bite is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. I encourage you to gather the ingredients and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry

The ultimate comfort food, Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry is a quick and easy weeknight dinner filled with vibrant flavors and textures. This delicious dish combines succulent chicken, crunchy broccoli, and crunchy cashews, coated in a savory sauce. Make it tonight and savor a satisfying, balanced meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

¼ cup Soy Sauce
3 teaspoons Minced Garlic
3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thigh cut into bite-sized pieces
¾ cup Chicken Broth
1 teaspoon Cornstarch
3 cups Broccoli Florets
1 cup Cashews

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Skillet
Whisk

Method

Start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 teaspoons minced garlic, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
Next, heat a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh cut into bite-sized pieces. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the chicken cooks, take ¼ cup of the ¾ cup chicken broth and mix it in a small bowl with 1 teaspoon cornstarch until the cornstarch has completely dissolved. This will help thicken the sauce later.
Once the chicken is no longer pink, add the remaining ¾ cup chicken broth and toss in 3 cups broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and cook until the broccoli is tender, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
After the broccoli reaches your desired tenderness, it’s time to add the cornstarch mixture. Pour it into the skillet and stir gently. Cook over medium-low heat for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and broccoli.
Finally, stir in 1 cup cashews to add that crunchy texture, and give everything a final stir to combine. Serve your Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry over rice or enjoy it on its own!

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze this stir fry for up to a month. Just make sure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Pairing: Serve this stir fry with cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Noodles also work wonderfully!
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Protein Options: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist on this dish.