Thai Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry

Thai cashew chicken is a quick wok dish known for its glossy savoury sauce, tender pieces of chicken and the crunch of toasted nuts. In this version, boneless chicken thighs give the stir-fry good flavour and stay juicy over high heat, while onion and red pepper add sweetness and colour without losing their crisp edge. Light soy sauce and oyster sauce create the salty, umami-rich coating typical of many Thai-style stir-fries, finished with spring onion for freshness. It is well suited to a fast dinner, especially with steamed rice, and can be adjusted easily with leaner chicken breast or a different pepper depending on what is to hand.
Cuisine style Thai-style stir-fry
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Fast, high-heat cooking: The chicken and vegetables cook quickly in a hot wok, keeping the method efficient while building good browning.
  • Crunch and tenderness: Toasted cashews add crispness against juicy chicken and crisp-tender peppers and onions.
  • Glossy savoury sauce: Light soy sauce and oyster sauce coat the stir-fry at the end, giving concentrated umami without a long simmer.

Get the most out of this recipe

Common mistakes

  • Avoid crowding the wok: Cook the chicken in batches if needed so it browns rather than releases liquid and steams.
  • Watch the cashews closely: Toast them only until lightly golden, then remove them from the wok before they darken too far.
  • Keep the heat high: A properly hot wok helps the vegetables stay crisp-tender and keeps the sauce glossy rather than watery.

Ingredient notes

  • Chicken thighs suit stir-frying: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy over high heat and are forgiving if cooked a little longer.
  • Use unsalted cashews: Unsalted cashews let the soy and oyster sauce season the dish without making it overly salty.
  • Adjust salty sauces carefully: Dark soy sauce can bring deeper colour and sweetness, but it may taste stronger, so add it more cautiously.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with rice: Plain jasmine rice is a natural match for the glossy savoury sauce and crunchy cashews.
  • Finish with spring onion: Add the spring onion off the heat so it stays fresh and bright.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prep before heating the wok: Slice the vegetables, chop the garlic and mix the sauce before you start, as the stir-fry moves quickly once cooking begins.
  • Reheat hot and fast: Warm leftovers in a hot wok or frying pan with a small splash of water until piping hot throughout, then add fresh spring onion if possible.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. In a small bowl, stir together the light soy sauce and oyster sauce. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then slice the onion and red pepper; thinly slice the spring onions and finely chop the garlic, keeping the spring onions aside for finishing.
  2. Set a wok over high heat until very hot, then add the cashew nuts and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until lightly golden. Tip them out to a bowl so they do not over-brown.
  3. Return the wok to high heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for 4 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Add the onion and red pepper and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the soy and oyster sauce mixture and toss for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is glossy and well coated. Stir in the toasted cashew nuts, then take off the heat and scatter over the spring onions to serve.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the wok hot and work quickly so the chicken browns rather than stews; if your pan is small, cook the chicken in two batches.
  • Toast the cashew nuts just until pale golden, as they will continue to colour slightly from residual heat.
  • If serving anyone vulnerable, make sure the chicken is cooked until piping hot throughout with no pink remaining.

Substitutions

  • Replace chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner stir-fry; reduce the cooking time slightly to keep it juicy.
  • Replace red pepper with green pepper for a slightly more bitter, savoury edge.
  • Replace light soy sauce with dark soy sauce for a deeper colour and slightly sweeter flavour; use a little less as it can be stronger.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in a hot wok or frying pan with a small splash of water until piping hot throughout; add the spring onion after reheating if possible to keep it fresh.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 25min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Allergens:
    Cashews Soybeans
Beginner friendly One pot Kid friendly

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