Here’s a delicious, satisfying recipe for a Sweet & Sticky Cashew Chicken Bowl — loaded with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, toasted cashews, and served over fluffy steamed rice. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty with just the right amount of crunch!
🍗🥦 Sweet & Sticky Cashew Chicken Bowl with Veggie Crunch & Steamed Rice
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 15–20 min
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for crispier chicken)
- 2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Veggies & Add-ins:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup snap peas (optional)
- ½ cup roasted, unsalted cashews
- 2 cups steamed white or brown rice
- Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Rice:
- Start your rice according to package instructions so it’s ready when the stir-fry is done.
2. Sear the Chicken:
- Toss chicken with a bit of salt, pepper, and optional cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Veggies:
- In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed.
- Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.
- Mix cornstarch and water separately, then stir into sauce.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Pour sauce over chicken and veggies. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and sticky.
- Stir in cashews and toss everything to coat well.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
- Scoop steamed rice into bowls.
- Top with the chicken-veggie mixture.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
📝 Tips & Variations
- Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
- For extra crunch, add shredded cabbage or water chestnuts.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Want extra sauce? Double the sauce ingredients!