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Savory Cashew Chicken & Green Bean Skillet

A vibrant, one-pan meal ready in about 30 minutes. Tender ground chicken and crisp vegetables are brought together in a savory-sweet glaze for a satisfying, heart-healthy dinner.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 422

Ingredients
  

Pantry & Seasonings
  • 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
  • 5 Tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy-free alternative
  • cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot starch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Protein
  • 1 ⅔ pounds about 765 g lean ground chicken
Produce
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 large carrots peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 red bell peppers seeded and chopped
  • 1 ¼ pounds about 565 g fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
Garnish
  • ¾ cup unsalted roasted cashews roughly chopped
  • 3 scallions green parts only, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Wide Dutch oven or a large, deep sauté pan
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Sauce Base : In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium tamari, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic. In a separate tiny cup, stir the arrowroot starch with 2 tablespoons of the unsalted chicken broth to create a slurry. Set both aside. The extra broth provides more volume to coat the larger batch of ingredients without adding sodium.
  2. Sauté Harder Vegetables : Heat the avocado oil in a wide Dutch oven over medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced carrots and halved green beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are bright in color and begin to develop a slight char.
  3. Soften Aromatics & Peppers : Add the diced yellow onion and chopped red bell peppers to the Dutch oven with the other vegetables. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 3-5 minutes. The onions should become translucent and the peppers should be crisp-tender.
  4. Brown the Ground Chicken : Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add the ground chicken to the open space. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes, until it is fully cooked through and no pink remains. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Deglaze and Thicken : Pour the prepared sauce base and the remaining unsalted chicken broth into the pan. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.
  6. Finish and Combine : Stir the arrowroot slurry once more, then pour it into the pan while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that coats the chicken and vegetables. Remove from heat immediately.
  7. Garnish and Serve :Divide the stir-fry among six bowls. Top each serving generously with chopped cashews, sliced scallions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld nicely, making it excellent for meal prep. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Protein Swaps: This recipe works beautifully with lean ground turkey or even ground pork. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute other sturdy vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or snap peas would be delicious additions. Add them along with the bell peppers.
Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thin, ensure it came to a full bubble before adding the arrowroot slurry. If it's too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water or unsalted broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: ⅙th of recipe
  • Calories: 422
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.8 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
  • Sodium: 607 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6 g
  • Total Sugars: 12 g
  • Includes: 4 g Added Sugars
  • Net Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Vitamin D: 0.2 mcg
  • Calcium: 98 mg
  • Iron: 3.5 mg
  • Potassium: 890 mg
  • Vitamin C: 95 mg