If you’re in the mood for a lightning-fast dinner with big, bold flavors—and you don’t want to compromise your low carb goals—the Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. Tender bites of chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, crunchy cashews, and a glossy, umami-packed sauce all come together in a single skillet. This Asian-inspired feast feels totally indulgent, yet every bite is keto-approved and gluten-free. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry family, this recipe nails everything we love about classic takeout, minus the sugar rush or carb hangover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of fresh favorites and a few pantry staples, you can bring the Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe to the table in about half an hour. Each ingredient plays a key role—don’t skip the crunch, heat, or the golden nutty finish!
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy boneless, skinless thighs soak up all the vibrant flavors and stay tender as they cook.
- Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil): This heart-healthy fat is perfect for stir-frying at high heat, giving everything a savory base.
- Raw Cashews: The hero crunch, adding richness and bite; use pre-roasted for extra flavor if you like.
- Broccoli Florets: These little green trees add crunch, color, and a gentle sweetness that balances the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: Sliced for extra color and a mild, sweet flavor that livens up every forkful.
- Green Onions: Brings a fresh, slightly sharp finish to the stir fry and a burst of vibrant green.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for an irresistible aromatic backbone.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a zesty, warming note that takes the flavor profile up a notch.
- Coconut Aminos (or Tamari): This keeps things gluten-free while delivering that deep, savory soy flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: For the perfect tang and balance in the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: A few drops of this nutty oil give the whole dish a signature Asian flair.
- Xanthan Gum (optional): Just a pinch thickens the sauce without any carb guilt—totally optional but worth trying!
- Salt & Pepper: For simple seasoning; adjust to taste as you cook.
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish, optional): Sprinkle on top for a little extra crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of avocado oil in your biggest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear them until golden-brown and cooked through—the outside gets a gorgeous color and the inside stays juicy, about five to seven minutes. Once they’re perfectly browned, scoop them out onto a plate and set aside. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken perfectly tender for your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Into the same pan, add the remaining oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, broccoli florets, and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for three to four minutes, stirring often. You want the veggies to pick up those aromatic notes and turn brilliantly bright, but still retain some crunch. This step is all about building layers of flavor and making those colors pop.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it among the veggies. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos (or tamari), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and xanthan gum. Pour this gorgeous sauce over everything in the pan. Stir well to ensure that every bite is coated—watch as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, blanketing the chicken and veggies.
Step 4: Add Cashews and Finish
Now toss in the raw (or roasted) cashews and chopped green onions. Let everything mingle for another two to three minutes on medium-high heat; the cashews will soak up the delicious sauce and warm through, while the onions add the perfect fresh crunch. Give it one last gentle mix, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. That’s it—your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe is ready to plate!
How to Serve Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Go classic with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional sliced green onion on top. For heat lovers, a flurry of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha takes it up a notch. These simple touches not only amp up flavor but make your plate look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
You can’t beat Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe served over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice for a satisfying, grain-free meal. For extra crunch, add a quick cucumber salad or a side of sautéed bok choy. This dish also pairs surprisingly well with shirataki noodles if you want a noodle bowl experience without the carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving in lettuce cups for a party-friendly, hand-held option (kids love it this way!). You can also spoon it into colorful bowls and top with a variety of garnishes for a build-your-own dinner bar. Or, give it a fun twist by piling everything onto a big platter family-style, letting everyone dig in together—no one can resist the sizzle and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe store wonderfully for a couple of days. Transfer any extras to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The flavors continue to mingle and intensify, making your next-day lunch a treat!
Freezing
You can freeze Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe after it’s fully cooked. Cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Note that while the veggies will soften a bit after thawing, the overall flavors hold up beautifully.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works in a pinch, but gently stirring on the stove helps keep the chicken juicy and the cashews from becoming too chewy.
FAQs
Is this Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe spicy?
No, the recipe as written is quite mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add heat with crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a hint of chili oil if you prefer a spicy kick.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, though they may cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked, so just keep an eye on the pan for best results.
What can I substitute for coconut aminos?
If you don’t have coconut aminos, tamari is a wonderful gluten-free substitute, and regular soy sauce works too if you’re not avoiding gluten—just keep in mind the flavor will be a little saltier.
How do I keep the sauce thick and glossy?
A small amount of xanthan gum helps thicken the sauce without carbs, but you can skip it if you don’t have any. Alternatively, simmer the sauce a bit longer so it naturally reduces.
Can I make Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh, and keep all the other ingredients the same for a plant-powered version that’s every bit as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe finds its way onto your regular meal rotation—the speed, the flavor, the sheer fun of making it is just irresistible. I hope it brings as much joy and deliciousness to your kitchen as it has to mine. Grab your skillet, invite a friend, and dig in!
Print
Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this flavorful Keto Cashew Chicken recipe that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and crisp veggies are coated in a savory sauce, making it a low-carb, gluten-free delight.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry: Sauté garlic, ginger, broccoli, and bell pepper until tender-crisp. Return chicken to the pan.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and xanthan gum. Pour over the chicken and veggies.
- Finish and Serve: Add cashews, green onions, and cook until heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Pair with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
- Use pre-roasted cashews for added crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
