Name: Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 tablespoons red curry paste; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 1/4 cup roasted salted cashews; 1/2 cup water (more as needed); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 clove garlic; Juice of 1-2 limes (about 2 tablespoons, or to taste); 1 teaspoon ginger paste or fresh ginger; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups small steamed broccoli florets (about 1 small head of broccoli or 1 frozen steam-in-the-bag); 2-3 cups cooked rice

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you're craving something vibrant, bursting with flavor, and just downright satisfying, this Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. Imagine tender, golden-browned chicken coated in a luscious red curry glaze, paired perfectly with crunchy broccoli and a rich, creamy cashew sauce that has a spicy kick—this dish hits all the right notes and will quickly become one of your go-to meals for busy nights or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white plate shows three layers of food: steamed bright green broccoli pieces on the left, a pile of golden brown fried chicken pieces with a crispy texture in the center, and white fluffy rice on the right. A spoon above the plate pours a smooth, thick beige sauce over the fried chicken, spreading trickles of sauce across the top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, or color to create a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

1 lb. chicken breasts: Thinly sliced to cook quickly and soak up all the spicy curry flavors.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Ensures a perfect crispy coating on the chicken that locks in juiciness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky base without overwhelming the palate.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
2 tablespoons avocado oil: A healthy oil with a high smoke point, perfect for stir-frying.
2 tablespoons red curry paste: The star seasoning that brings rich warmth and vivid color.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the spice with just the right touch of sweetness.
1 ¼ cup roasted salted cashews: Blended into the sauce for richness and a fantastic nutty flavor.
½ cup water (more as needed): Adjusts sauce consistency to silky smooth perfection.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements the spicy elements beautifully.
2 tablespoons sriracha: Packs a lively, spicy punch in the cashew sauce.
1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami.
1 clove garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a bright, pungent lift.
Juice of 1-2 limes (about 2 tablespoons): Provides a fresh, tangy burst that brightens the entire dish.
1 teaspoon ginger paste or fresh ginger: Adds warm, zesty spice and aroma.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the sauce to taste.
2 cups small steamed broccoli florets: Offers a fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
2-3 cups cooked rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up all those amazing flavors.

How to Make Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Make the Spicy Cashew Sauce

Start by blending together the roasted salted cashews, water, maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, ginger paste, and salt in a high-powered blender until the sauce turns incredibly smooth and creamy. This sauce is where a lot of the magic happens—it’s spicy, sweet, tangy, and nutty all at once. The texture should be luscious and pourable; feel free to add a splash more water if needed to get it just right.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Thinly slice your chicken breasts to help them cook quickly and evenly. Toss the slices with cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This coating isn’t just for flavor—it helps create that golden crust when the chicken hits the pan, locking in moisture and giving you that delightful slight crispiness.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a nonstick pan over medium high heat, then stir in the red curry paste and brown sugar. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes caramelized and fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and toss everything gently to coat the chicken evenly in this delectable curry mixture. Allow the chicken to cook, undisturbed, for several minutes so it forms a lovely golden-brown crust. Flip and repeat until the chicken is cooked through. If you notice any bits sticking to the pan, splash in a tablespoon or two of water to help lift those flavorful caramelized pieces—they’re pure gold for your dish.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Combine

Once your chicken is cooked, toss in the steamed broccoli florets to warm through. This simple step adds freshness, texture, and that gorgeous pop of green we love. The broccoli balances the rich curry and smooth cashew sauce, keeping the dish light and bright.

Step 5: Serve

Plate your vibrant chicken and broccoli over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, then drizzle generously with the spicy cashew sauce. The combination of warmth, crunch, creaminess, and spice makes every bite irresistibly satisfying. Now you're ready to dig in!

How to Serve Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a meal with three main parts. On the top left, there are bright green broccoli florets with a bit of sauce lightly poured over them. To the right of the broccoli, there is a portion of plain white rice. The bottom half of the plate is filled with small pieces of reddish-brown cooked chicken, which are covered with a light brown creamy sauce. Thinly sliced green onions are sprinkled over the chicken and sauce. A silver fork is placed on the right side of the plate, partly under the chicken. Nearby, there is a small bowl of light brown sauce and a small bowl filled with sliced green onions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add an extra touch with some chopped fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves to bring an herbal freshness. A sprinkle of chopped scallions or a few extra roasted cashews on top adds nice texture contrasts and a bright pop of flavor. For those who like an extra kick, a wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to customize the tanginess level.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple jasmine or basmati rice, helping to soak up that luscious sauce. If you want to keep things low-carb, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or even a crunchy Asian-style salad with shredded cabbage and a light sesame vinaigrette. The crisp veggies will complement the warm, rich stir fry perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at your next dinner party? Serve the chicken stir fry inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun hand-held appetizer. Or try layering the components in a colorful bowl with rice, broccoli, and your cashew sauce drizzled artfully on top for an Instagram-worthy meal. Even piling it on small steamed bao buns for mini sandwiches is a fantastic flavor twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cashew sauce separate if possible to maintain the freshest texture, then just drizzle it over when reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Separate into portions, placing the chicken and broccoli mix in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the sauce in a separate container or freezer bag, as it thaws faster. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the chicken seems dry. Once heated, add back the cashew sauce and stir well to coat everything beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides cashews in the sauce?

While cashews provide that creamy, smooth texture and naturally mild sweetness perfect for this sauce, you could experiment with macadamia nuts or blanched almonds, but the flavor and creaminess will slightly differ.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

This stir fry has a pleasant spice thanks to the red curry paste and sriracha, but it’s not overpowering. If you prefer less heat, reduce the sriracha or start with half the amount and add more to taste. For more spice, add fresh chopped chilies or extra curry paste.

Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness. Just make sure to slice them thinly and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender.

What can I do if I don’t have red curry paste?

If you don’t have red curry paste, you can substitute with a mix of chili paste and curry powder, but the unique balance of flavors may change. For best results, grab a good-quality red curry paste from your grocery or Asian market.

Is this recipe gluten free?

As written, it’s gluten free if you choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Double check labels on your curry paste and other condiments to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way the flavors in this Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce Recipe come together. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve guests. The creamy, spicy sauce paired with tender chicken and fresh broccoli makes for a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!