Name: Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 12 h 37 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 4 vegan chicken filets about 18 ounces (500g) in total; 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth; 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil; 1 tbsp (5 g) Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup (37 g) raw cashews soaked overnight; 1/2 cup (120 ml) water; 2 tbsp (16 g) nutritional yeast; 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil; 3 cloves of garlic minced; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp dried oregano; 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable broth; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/3 cup (40 g) finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 3/8 tsp salt (1/4 + 1/8 tsp) adjust to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil for topping

Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe blends creamy, tangy, and savory flavors into a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. I’ve made this more times than I can count, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without the fuss.

A dark pan on a white marbled surface holds four large, lightly browned chicken pieces covered in a thick creamy light orange sauce with visible herbs and small red pepper bits. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top of the chicken and sauce, adding bright green spots. A silver spoon rests in the pan on the right side. Nearby on the white marbled surface, there is a small brown bowl with a wooden spoon filled with a light brown powder, and a wooden spoon with dried herbs next to it. A red cloth lies under the pan handle, which is black with a wooden grip. A glass jar with reddish contents sits in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe stands out because it brings together bold flavors and creamy textures without any dairy or gluten. I’m always impressed by how rich the cashew cream makes the sauce, turning simple ingredients into a luxurious meal.

Rich and Creamy Sauce: Cashew cream adds a velvety texture that’s decadent but plant-based.
Flavor-packed Marinade: Marinating vegan chicken infuses it with herbs and keeps it juicy.
Easy to Make: The recipe involves straightforward steps, perfect even if you’re not a pro chef.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can tweak spices or swap ingredients based on what you have at home.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe serves a purpose—from the marinated vegan chicken that anchors the dish to the cashews that create that luscious creaminess we all crave. Here’s why these ingredients work so beautifully together and some tips on picking the best versions.

Flat lay of fresh vegan chicken filets sliced into large pieces, a small white ceramic bowl of raw cashews, a small white ceramic bowl of nutritional yeast flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, three fresh garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh basil, a small white ceramic bowl of dried red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of dried thyme, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable broth, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegan Chicken Filets: Choose firm, sliceable vegan chicken for texture that holds up when seared and simmers in sauce.
Vegetable Broth: Adds subtle depth and moisture to the marinade and sauce—homemade is best but store-bought works fine.
Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps with sautéing; don’t skimp on quality here—it makes a difference.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring aromatic warmth to the vegan chicken during marination.
Raw Cashews: Soaked overnight for a creamy, smooth base for the sauce; quick soak if you’re short on time.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a savory umami punch that mimics cheesy depth without dairy.
Garlic and Dried Herbs (Thyme, Oregano): Infuse the sauce with comforting, robust flavors that keep each bite interesting.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint for warmth and a slight kick—you can adjust the heat to suit your taste.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They contribute a sweet and tangy richness that elevates the sauce wonderfully.
Fresh Basil: Added as a bright finishing touch, it lifts all the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching up this Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to play with the herbs or the heat level. It’s so forgiving and lets your tastes shine through.

Variation: Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra earthiness and greenery, making it even more filling.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe

The dish shows three slices of light brown meat covered with a creamy white sauce speckled with herbs and tiny red bits. On top of the meat, there are two pieces of bright red roasted pepper and a single green basil leaf. The sauce pools around the meat with visible green basil leaves scattered in it. To the right, a silver fork and knife rest on the plate, with the fork holding a chunk of meat. Everything is served on a white plate with a soft, textured light gray inside. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Vegan Chicken

Depending on your vegan chicken, slice it into piece sizes resembling breasts if needed—I usually get four nice pieces. Toss these in a bowl or pan with vegetable broth, olive oil, water, and Italian seasoning. Cover and let it soak up all those flavors overnight. Trust me, the longer, the better for that juicy, savory bite.

Step 2: Blend Your Cashew Cream

Drain the soaked cashews and pop them in a blender with water and nutritional yeast. Blend until completely smooth—usually around 30 seconds. The cream should be silky and pourable but thick enough to coat. This step is a game changer for the sauce’s texture.

Step 3: Sear the Vegan Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place your marinated vegan chicken pieces in the pan and cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly charred. This gives a tasty crust and locks in flavor. Set them aside once done and wipe the pan clean with a paper towel—it helps keep the sauce fresh.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then toss in minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sauté just long enough for everything to become fragrant (about a minute). Pour in vegetable broth and your cashew cream, then add onion powder, sun-dried tomatoes, and salt. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds to blend those flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Gently add the seared vegan chicken back into the skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and hugs the chicken. Give it a taste and add salt if needed. Sprinkle fresh basil on top just before serving and get ready for some serious compliments.

Top Tip

Having made this Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe several times, I learned a few tricks that really boost the final dish. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get that dreamy creamy texture every time.

Soak Cashews Overnight: This ensures the cream is ultra-smooth. If you forget, a quick soak in boiling water for 25 minutes works in a pinch.
Don’t Skip Marinating: Even a few hours will make a difference, but overnight is best for flavor and tenderness.
Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This prevents the vegan chicken from sticking and helps form that beautiful golden crust.
Fresh Basil at the End: Always add it right before serving to retain its bright, fresh flavor and lovely color.

How to Serve Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe

Vegan Marry Me Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love topping this dish with fresh basil leaves because they add that pop of color and brightness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra nutritional yeast on top for an umami finish. A squeeze of lemon juice also works wonders if you want a touch of acidity.

Side Dishes

This creamy vegan chicken pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, warm crusty bread for dipping, or a bed of garlic sautéed greens like kale or spinach. For a lighter meal, steamed quinoa or cauliflower rice balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this with roasted cherry tomatoes sprinkled over the top, or plate it on a colorful salad of arugula and pine nuts. Drizzling a bit of good olive oil or balsamic reduction adds an elegant touch that’ll wow your dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2-3 days. The vegan chicken absorbs the sauce over time, so sometimes the texture changes a bit, but reheating gently helps revive the creaminess.

Freezing

I’ve had pretty good luck freezing this dish, though I usually freeze the sauce separately from the vegan chicken. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat. The sauce may thicken when frozen, so add a splash of vegetable broth if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, I place the sauce and vegan chicken in a skillet over low heat with a little broth, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to alter the cream’s texture a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought vegan chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any vegan chicken that holds its shape when cooked. Just marinate and slice as needed.

How do I make the cashew cream if I forgot to soak cashews overnight?

No worries! Quick-soak your cashews by pouring boiling water over them and letting them sit for about 25 minutes. Then blend with water and nutritional yeast until smooth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegan chicken and vegetable broth. Always check labels to be sure.

How spicy is this recipe?

There’s just a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them if you prefer no heat.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Vegan Marry Me Chicken with Cashew Cream Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s comforting and elegant all at once, and it’s helped me impress family and friends who weren’t even sure vegan dishes could taste this good. I’m excited for you to try it—you’ll see, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.