If you’re looking for a meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep, Meal Prep Cashew Chicken is your new best friend. This dish combines tender chicken with crunchy, salty cashews in a savory sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet and salty. It’s a meal you can enjoy throughout the week without getting bored, and it’s so easy to make! Plus, the best part? It stores beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for those busy days when you want something homemade without the hassle. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

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Why You’ll Love Meal Prep Cashew Chicken

When you’re planning meals for the week, you want something that’s delicious, easy to prepare, and that’ll last. Here’s why Meal Prep Cashew Chicken ticks all the boxes:

Delicious and Balanced: The combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a flavorful sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and light. The sauce has just the right balance of sweetness from hoisin and a little tang from soy sauce, making every bite mouthwatering.

Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is a meal prep dream! You can make a large batch, portion it out into containers, and have a delicious lunch or dinner ready to go for the week.

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together in no time. Perfect for those busy days when you need something healthy and flavorful fast.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of spice or sweetness to suit your tastes. Add a little extra chili for heat or a bit more honey for sweetness!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s just you or you’re making it for your whole family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The cashews add a satisfying crunch, and the chicken is so tender—it’s a texture and flavor combo that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the Meal Prep Cashew Chicken:

Chicken Breast: Lean, tender chicken breast that cooks up quickly and absorbs all the flavor of the sauce.

Cashews: The star of this dish! They add a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness that complements the sweet and savory sauce.

Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, giving it that signature salty umami flavor.

Hoisin Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch to the dish.

Ginger: A little grated ginger adds warmth and spice to the sauce.

Honey: A small amount of honey balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a hint of sweetness.

Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the sauce, balancing the richness of the hoisin.

Green Onions: For garnish and an added burst of fresh flavor.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken to perfection.

Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect consistency.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s make this easy, flavorful dish:

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens up nicely.

Assemble the Dish:

Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet.
Add the cashews and toss everything together so the chicken is coated in the sauce.
Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or your favorite grain. Enjoy your easy, flavorful meal prep!

How to Serve Meal Prep Cashew Chicken

This dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to complete your meal:

Steamed Rice: The classic pairing. Fluffy white rice or brown rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite even better.

Quinoa: For a protein-packed alternative, serve this with quinoa. It adds a nice texture and extra nutritional benefits.

Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted bell peppers make a perfect side to balance out the richness of the cashew chicken.

Noodles: If you’re in the mood for noodles, try serving this dish with some stir-fried rice noodles for an extra indulgent meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make this meal even better:

Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful option, you can swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs. They’ll give the dish an extra richness.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the honey and add a dash more soy sauce.

Make it Spicy: If you like some heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chili to the sauce.

Store for Meal Prep: Store the cashew chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well and keeps the flavors intact.

Freeze for Later: If you’re prepping for the future, freeze the chicken and sauce mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different nut instead of cashews?
A1: Yes, you can use almonds, peanuts, or even pistachios if you prefer. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and you’re good to go!

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or fresh sliced chilies to the sauce to give it an extra kick.

Q6: Can I use frozen chicken?
A6: It’s best to thaw frozen chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, be sure to cook it all the way through.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the stir-fry for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q8: How do I know when my chicken is done?
A8: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Q9: Can I make this ahead of time?
A9: Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd or want extra for leftovers, just double the ingredients and follow the same instructions.

Conclusion

Meal Prep Cashew Chicken is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for meal prep. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and ideal for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a sweet-savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your weekly rotation. So, go ahead and make a batch—your future self will thank you!

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Ingredients

Instructions

How to Serve Meal Prep Cashew Chicken

Additional Tips

FAQ Section

Conclusion

Meal Prep Cashew Chicken

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition