Dinner

Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce Recipe

ByElara Stone November 15, 2025November 15, 2025

Introduction

This Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and crisp broccoli. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy your craving for something spicy and comforting.

A white plate holds three main layers arranged side by side: bright green broccoli florets on the left, white steamed rice on the right, and golden-brown cooked shrimp in the center. The shrimp is topped with a thick light brown sauce that also drizzles over part of the broccoli and rice, with finely chopped green onion scattered on top. A silver fork is placed on the right edge of the plate, resting lightly on the rice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin nearby, and around it are small bowls containing more sauce and chopped green onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Make the spicy cashew sauce by blending the roasted salted cashews, water, maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a high-powered blender until very smooth.
Step 2: Prep the chicken by cutting the breasts into very thin pieces. Toss with cornstarch, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to coat well.
Step 3: Heat avocado oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add red curry paste and brown sugar, cooking for a few minutes until caramelized and bubbly.
Step 4: Add the chicken to the pan, toss once to coat with the curry paste mixture, then let it cook undisturbed for several minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is fully cooked through. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons water to loosen any browned bits from the pan bottom.
Step 5: Serve the cooked chicken over cooked rice alongside steamed broccoli. Drizzle generously with the spicy cashew sauce for a delicious finish.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
If you don’t have avocado oil, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works well.
Prepare the cashew sauce ahead of time to save time on busy nights.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and broccoli separate if possible. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a meal with three parts: on the left, bright green broccoli florets with a fresh, bumpy texture; on the right, a pile of white rice with fluffy, soft grains; in the center and front, golden-brown crispy fried pieces with a rough, crunchy surface. A spoon above is pouring a thick, light brown creamy sauce evenly over the fried pieces. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a light brown cloth napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cashew sauce nut-free?

This sauce relies on cashews for creaminess, but you can try substituting roasted sunflower seeds or tahini for a nut-free alternative, though the flavor and texture will differ.

Is the red curry paste spicy?

Red curry paste usually has a moderate level of heat, but the sauce’s other ingredients balance it out. You can adjust the spiciness by using more or less sriracha or curry paste according to your taste.