Vietnamese Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry (Gà Xào Hạt Điều)

This Vietnamese Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is another quick and delicious recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. The chicken breast is cooked just right - juicy, tender and not dry. It's coated in a savoury, slightly sweet sauce with a nutty crunch from Vietnamese cashew nuts. Pair it with a warm bowl of steamed rice, and you've got a meal that's sure to become a favourite.

Warning: Make extra rice because you'll need it!

Let me show you how to make this dish in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients you'll need

Chicken

Chicken breast is my go-to for this dish since it's lean and cooks quickly. However, if you have chicken thigh fillets, they work just as well, adding even more flavour.

Vegetables

I use pointy red peppers for their natural sweetness and colour pop, but you can swap them for bell peppers, broccoli, green beans or even carrots. You'll also need onions, spring onions and garlic, which bring extra depth and freshness to the stir-fry.

Cashew nuts

The star ingredient! Cashew nuts add a delicious crunch that complement the sauce beautifully. Fun fact: Vietnam has been the world's top cashew exporter for 18 years. Chances are the cashew you're buying are originally from Vietnam!

Sauce & seasoning

The magic of this dish lies in the rich, balanced sauce. You'll need:

• Fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce for that deep umami flavour.
• Honey and vinegar to create a touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Cornflour to slightly thicken the sauce.
• Ground pepper and paprika (optional) if you like a bit of spice.

How to cook Vietnamese Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry

Prepare the chicken

Start by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Place it in a bowl and season with cornflour, fish sauce, ground pepper and paprika (if using). Give it a good mix to ensure every piece is well coated. Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to absorb while the cornflour helps lock in moisture for a tender texture.

Cook the chicken

If you're using an air-fryer, arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the basket and lightly spray it with oil to prevent drying. Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. Don't forget to spray a little more oil after flipping to keep them juicy.

If you prefer pan-frying, heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook for another few minutes until the pieces are fully cooked through and slightly caramelised. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Make the stir-fry sauce

In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey and vinegar. Stir well, then add half a teaspoon of cornflour to help thicken the sauce when it cooks. To make sure the sauce coats everything evenly, I like to add a splash of water to thin it out slightly.

Stir-fry the vegetables and assemble

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and fry until golden and fragrant. Next, toss in the sliced onions and peppers, stirring for a couple of minutes until they soften slightly but still have a bit of crunch.

Now, return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir for 30 seconds, ensuring everything is well combined. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and mix quickly, as it will start to thicken almost immediately. Finally, add the cashew nuts and chopped spring onions, stirring for another minute to bring everything together. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.

Serving suggestions

This dish is best served hot with steamed jasmine rice. The rich, nutty sauce seeps into the rice, making every bite absolutely irresistible.

If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, you can swap the rice for:

• Cauliflower rice
• Quinoa

Final thoughts

Vietnamese Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is a perfect balance of sweet, savoury and nutty flavour. It's quick, easy and packed with fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal. Once you try it, you'll definitely want to add it to your regular dinner rotation.

Give it a go and let me know how it turns out for you.

What's for dinner? This might just be your new favourite answer!

Have you checked out my other delicious chicken recipes?