Name: Meal Prep Cashew Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews; 3 green onions, sliced; 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (for serving); 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp water

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Meal Prep Cashew Chicken is the ultimate answer when you want something satisfying, colorful, and absolutely delicious ready to go for the week ahead! Imagine tender bites of chicken, perfectly coated in a savory-sweet sauce, tossed with roasted cashews, crisp peppers, and fresh green onion, then served over fluffy jasmine rice. This dish balances bold flavors and comforting textures, making lunchtime the highlight of your day every single time you crack open your meal prep container.

Meal Prep Cashew Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Meal Prep Cashew Chicken is how a handful of straightforward ingredients combine to create something vibrant and irresistible. Each addition is thoughtfully chosen to maximize flavor, texture, and visual appeal—there’s nothing here you won’t use or love!

Chicken breasts: Lean protein that stays juicy when stir-fried, offering the perfect bite without weighing you down.
Cornstarch: Lightly coats the chicken, ensuring a golden, lightly crisped crust while the sauce clings to every piece.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil for stir-frying that won’t interfere with those delicious sauce flavors.
Red bell pepper: Provides sweetness and brilliant color, plus a crunchy contrast to the chicken.
Green bell pepper: Lends savory depth and pairs beautifully with the red for a pop of green.
Unsalted roasted cashews: Crunchy, rich, and essential for that signature cashew chicken bite—make sure they’re unsalted!
Green onions: Add a fresh, oniony zip and bring the whole dish to life at the end.
Cooked jasmine rice: Fragrant, tender rice is the perfect base for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: The umami backbone for the sauce, keeping things savory without being too salty.
Hoisin sauce: Offers a sweet-salty punch and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to brighten up all the rich flavors.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce just enough to balance the salty and savory notes.
Sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way in delivering that iconic nutty aroma.
Garlic: Brings warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
Fresh ginger: Adds zing and freshness, making the whole dish sing.
Water: Helps loosen the sauce, so it perfectly coats the chicken and veggies.

How to Make Meal Prep Cashew Chicken

Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Together

Start off strong by combining your flavor powerhouses—soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and just a touch of water. Whisk until smooth and aromatic. This sauce is where the magic begins, and you’ll instantly smell the takeout-worthy goodness you’re about to create!

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Grab your cubed chicken breasts and coat them evenly in cornstarch. This not only helps achieve that irresistible seared edge but also ensures the chicken stays extra juicy and luscious once stir-fried.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When it’s hot but not smoking, add the chicken pieces in an even layer. Sear for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chunks are golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and savor the tempting aroma!

Step 4: Cook the Peppers

In the same pan, toss in your chopped red and green bell peppers. Let them stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re vibrant and beginning to soften but still retain a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

Now the fun part—return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the luscious sauce you prepared earlier. Stir well, letting everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes while the sauce thickens and beautifully glazes the chicken and veggies.

Step 6: Finish with Cashews and Green Onions

Right before turning off the heat, add the roasted cashews and green onions. Give it all a good stir so each bite gets a little crunch and a burst of freshness from the onion.

Step 7: Assemble Your Meal Prep Containers

Spoon jasmine rice into four meal prep containers, then divide the cashew chicken mixture on top. Let everything cool before sealing the containers—and take a second to admire your gorgeous, homemade Meal Prep Cashew Chicken!

How to Serve Meal Prep Cashew Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra sliced green onions and a few toasted sesame seeds make for an inviting finishing touch. For a little heat, try adding thinly sliced red chili or a swirl of sriracha on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

While Meal Prep Cashew Chicken is a complete meal all on its own, you can round out your lunch with a crisp cucumber salad, quick pickled carrots, or a side of steamed broccoli. The freshness from extra veggies plays nicely with the richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, skip the standard rice base and opt for cauliflower rice or quinoa. Serve in a bowl with shredded lettuce for a vibrant power bowl, or wrap everything in lettuce leaves for an easy hand-held lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the joys of Meal Prep Cashew Chicken is how well it keeps. Cool the portions completely before snapping the lids on your containers. Pop them in the fridge, and you’ll have perfectly fresh, flavorful meals for up to four days—ideal for busy workweeks or on-the-go lunches.

Freezing

If you want to stash some portions for the longer term, Meal Prep Cashew Chicken freezes beautifully (just leave off the rice, as it tends to get mushy). Portion the chicken and veggies in airtight containers, freeze for up to two months, and add fresh rice or low-carb alternatives when reheating.

Reheating

When hunger strikes, simply microwave your container on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating. If you find the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water before reheating to bring back that saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a little more richness and stay extra juicy. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and follow the recipe as written.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

No worries. You can substitute with extra soy sauce and a spoonful of brown sugar or even a little oyster sauce to mimic the sweet-savory flavor of hoisin.

How can I make Meal Prep Cashew Chicken gluten-free?

Simple swap! Use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and check your hoisin sauce label for gluten content. That way, you can enjoy all the flavor without any worry.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all! Meal Prep Cashew Chicken is flavorful but mild enough for all ages. If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to your taste.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! Snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or broccoli are great additions. Just be sure to add extra sauce if bulking up the veggie content, so every bite stays juicy and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

There’s something immensely satisfying about sitting down to a gorgeous box of Meal Prep Cashew Chicken that you made yourself. With its quick prep, crowd-pleasing flavor, and unbeatable convenience, this recipe is going to earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be looking forward to lunchtime all week!

Meal Prep Cashew Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Meal Prep Cashew Chicken recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a flavorful Asian-inspired dish throughout the week. Tender chunks of chicken are cooked with colorful bell peppers, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce, then served over jasmine rice for a satisfying meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews
3 green onions, sliced
3 cups cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp water

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken with cornstarch. Cook in a skillet until golden and cooked through.
Add Vegetables: Cook bell peppers until tender. Return chicken to the skillet, add the sauce, and simmer until thickened.
Finish and Serve: Stir in cashews and green onions. Divide cooked rice into meal prep containers and top with cashew chicken. Let cool before refrigerating.