
Honey Cashew Chicken is a popular Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and a sweet-savory glaze. The dish typically includes chicken breast or thigh, roasted cashews, bell peppers, and a sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It's a staple in many Chinese restaurants across North America and has become a beloved takeout favorite.
This dish is moderate to high in protein from the chicken and cashews, with a notable amount of healthy fats from the nuts and a significant carbohydrate content from the honey-based sauce. A typical serving provides around 400-600 calories, along with important nutrients like selenium from the chicken and magnesium from the cashews.
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Zinc | 2.2 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Honey Cashew Chicken represents a perfect example of culinary adaptation, blending traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques with Western flavor preferences for sweetness. Nutritionally, the cashews add not just crunch but also plant-based protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making this dish more balanced than many other takeout options.