Thai Cashew Chicken is a perfect harmony of crisp, golden chicken bites, crunchy toasted cashews, and a savory-sweet sauce that’s deeply satisfying. The dish is packed with layers of flavors, from the nuttiness of the cashews to the gentle heat of Thai chilies and the fresh crunch of onions and bell peppers. Every bite is a burst of umami goodness! This easy stir-fry is a healthier take on your favorite takeout, with a simple homemade sauce that’s naturally gluten-free. Whether you serve it with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or enjoy it on its own, this dish makes for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that everyone will love. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced into ½-inch cubes
- ½ tsp coarse sea salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 3 tsp tapioca starch (or arrowroot starch)
- 3 tbsp avocado oil (divided, for stir-frying)
For the Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ cup raw cashew nuts, unsalted
- 4 oz yellow onion, sliced (about half of one medium onion)
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- ¼ oz ginger, finely minced
- 3 Thai dry red chilies, cut open and seeded (optional)
- 3 scallions, sliced into 1.5-inch sections (white and green parts separated)
- 1 bell pepper, diced into ½-inch cubes
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp peach or apricot jam
- 1 tsp tapioca or arrowroot starch (or xanthan gum for keto)
Directions:
- Lightly toast the cashew nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, baking soda, coconut aminos, olive oil, and tapioca starch. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 tbsp avocado oil and cook the chicken in a single layer for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium, add 1 tbsp oil, and sauté the onion for 10 seconds, then remove.
- In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, chilies, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for 8-10 seconds. Add the bell pepper and sauté for 10 more seconds.
- Stir the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl, then add the mixture to the pan. Let it thicken for about 10 seconds.
- Return the cooked chicken, toasted cashews, and onions to the pan. Toss everything together, then add the green parts of the scallions. Stir for another 10 seconds before turning off the heat.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or shirataki rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 256 kcal | Servings: 4
The Origins of Thai Cashew Chicken
Cashew Chicken originally comes from Chinese cuisine, where stir-frying chicken with nuts and vegetables is a classic cooking technique. However, Thai Cashew Chicken (Gai Pad Med Mamuang) is a distinct dish that incorporates Thai ingredients like fish sauce, coconut aminos, and Thai chilies, giving it a richer, more intense flavor compared to its Chinese counterpart. The dish has been popularized in Thai street food culture and high-end restaurants alike, offering a perfect combination of crunch, spice, and umami. Traditionally, it’s served with steamed jasmine rice to balance the bold flavors. Today, this dish is a favorite in Thai restaurants worldwide, but making it at home gives you even better control over ingredients, portion sizes, and health benefits.
Why This Thai Cashew Chicken is the Best
There are many versions of Cashew Chicken, but this recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what makes it special:
1. Crispy & Juicy Chicken
The chicken is lightly coated in a thin layer of starch before stir-frying, making it crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Many restaurant versions lack this technique, resulting in soggy chicken.
2. Perfectly Toasted Cashews
Instead of using raw cashews, this recipe toasts them lightly in the pan before mixing them with the sauce. This step enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
3. Aromatic Thai Ingredients
Unlike typical stir-fry dishes, this one includes Thai red chilies, scallions, garlic, and ginger, bringing an authentic depth of flavor.
4. Balanced Sweet & Savory Sauce
Many Cashew Chicken recipes use sugar-heavy sauces, but this one uses natural sweeteners like peach or apricot jam, combined with coconut aminos and fish sauce for a more authentic Thai flavor.
5. Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 Minutes!
This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families.
6. Healthier than Takeout
- Unlike restaurant versions that may contain MSG, excessive oil, and processed sauces, this homemade version is:
- Gluten-free (Uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce)
- Low in sugar (Uses natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar)
- Rich in protein & healthy fats from chicken and cashews
- Customizable for low-carb or keto diets
Health Benefits of Thai Cashew Chicken
- Rich in Healthy Fats & Protein
Cashews provide heart-healthy fats, magnesium, and protein, helping to keep you full longer and maintain stable energy levels.
- High-Quality Protein Source
Chicken breast is lean and high in protein, essential for muscle growth, metabolism, and overall health.
- Packed with Antioxidants
Garlic, ginger, and Thai chilies contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, boosting immune function and digestion.
- Nutritious Vegetables
Bell peppers and onions add fiber, vitamins A & C, and antioxidants, promoting good digestion and immunity.
- Low in Carbs & Naturally Gluten-Free
By using coconut aminos and tapioca starch, this recipe remains gluten-free while keeping carb content lower than traditional versions.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
To make this a complete meal, here are some delicious serving ideas:
Best Side Dishes
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – The traditional Thai way to enjoy this dish.
- Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative for keto-friendly meals.
- Shirataki Rice – A great low-calorie, high-fiber option.
Vegetable Side Dishes
- Asian Cucumber Salad – A light, refreshing contrast to the bold flavors.
- Sautéed Garlic Green Beans – Adds a crispy, garlicky crunch.
- Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry – A fiber-rich green veggie that pairs well.
Soup Pairings
- Egg Drop Soup – A simple and comforting soup to balance the spice.
- Hot & Sour Soup – A tangy, spicy soup for extra heat.
Customizations & Variations
One of the best things about Thai Cashew Chicken is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to fit different diets and preferences:
Make It Spicier
- Add more Thai red chilies for extra heat.
- Stir in a dash of sriracha or chili oil.
Add More Vegetables
- Try adding broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for extra nutrients.
Make It Keto/Low-Carb
- Use green bell peppers instead of red, orange, or yellow (lower in carbs).
- Replace tapioca starch with xanthan gum.
- Reduce cashews to ¼ cup to lower overall carbs.
Try Different Proteins
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
If you love bold flavors, crunchy textures, and easy one-pan meals, then Thai Cashew Chicken is the perfect dish for you. This savory-sweet stir-fry is a popular dish in both Thailand and Thai-inspired restaurants worldwide. With crispy chicken pieces, toasted cashews, crunchy vegetables, and a mouthwatering sauce, it’s the perfect balance of nutty, spicy, and umami flavors. In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of this dish, why it’s a healthy and nutritious choice, and what makes this homemade version the best compared to takeout. Plus, we’ll share tips, serving suggestions, and variations to customize it to your taste! If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish that you can make at home without the extra calories or additives, this is it. Try it today, and enjoy the bold flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen!
