Description
This easy gluten-free cashew chicken is better than takeout! Savory, sweet with a hint of sour, and tossed with crunchy cashews for a delicious texture, you’ll be making this easy Asian dinner on repeat! Totally dairy-free too.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup gluten-free tamari sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup cashews
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: For the marinade, mix the gluten-free tamari sauce, balsamic vinegar, water, vegetable oil, sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic and garlic powder.
- Marinate Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thighs into small, even pieces. Transfer the chicken pieces to a large bowl, add half the amount of marinade and mix with your hands. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 mins.
- Sauté Veggies and Chicken: Heat up the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onions, green bell peppers and cubed chicken.
- Add Remaining Sauce: Add the remaining marinade sauce and reduce heat to low, then let the chicken cook for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle cashews on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Mix the cooked rice with rice vinegar (optional). Place on a plate and serve with the cashew chicken.
Notes
Tamari Sauce: I used gluten-free tamari sauce (gluten-free soy sauce) to keep this recipe gluten-free. You may also use coconut aminos if you prefer to keep this recipe soy-free too. Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular soy sauce instead.
Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar gives this cashew chicken recipe a hint of sour. You can also use white vinegar, wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
Oil: I used sunflower oil, but you can also use another type of vegetable oil if you prefer (such as canola oil, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil etc).
Sugar: I used dark brown sugar, but white sugar, light brown sugar, or coconut sugar will work just as well. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a thickening agent to make the sauce thicker. You may also use tapioca starch or arrowroot starch instead.
Garlic: I like using both fresh minced garlic as well as garlic powder for extra flavor.
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs as it’s juicier compared to chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into similar sized cubes.
Onions: I used yellow onions, but white onions or red onions will work too.
Bell Peppers: I used green bell peppers, but red or yellow bell peppers will work just as well.
Cashews: You can use either raw cashews or roasted cashews.
Rice: I like serving this gluten-free cashew chicken over cooked white rice tossed with a little rice vinegar (optional). For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice instead.
Storing: To store, place the cashew chicken and rice in separate airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Marinating Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian



