Prepare to meet your new weeknight dinner hero: the Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe. Juicy chicken thighs mingled with crunchy cashews, crisp-tender veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce—all while keeping carbs low. This dish packs restaurant-level flavor in every bite, but it’s still delightfully light and keto-friendly. If you crave bold Asian-inspired flavors without the sugar and starch, this recipe is a game-changer for your healthy dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe shines thanks to the beautifully balanced, everyday ingredients. Each item has a role—whether it’s adding protein, crunch, peppery heat, or a pop of color. Let’s break down exactly what makes each ingredient special in this dish.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and flavorful—they’re ideal for soaking up all the sauce.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Use these healthy fats for sautéing and adding subtle richness to every bite.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential; they season the chicken from the start for depth of flavor.
- Raw Cashews: Offer irresistible crunch with a naturally buttery flavor—toast lightly for extra yum!
- Green Onions: Lend brightness and just a hint of bite right at the end.
- Broccoli Florets: Bring lovely green color and a fiber boost—plus they soak up the sauce so well.
- Red Bell Pepper: Pops of sweetness and vibrant color make the whole dish feel festive.
- Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor profile that infuses every component.
- Fresh Ginger: For zing and depth—fresh is best for a fragrant, lively kick.
- Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Choose either for gluten-free, umami-rich, salty goodness.
- Rice Vinegar: Just a splash brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
- Sesame Oil: Adds irresistible nutty aroma to make it truly taste like takeout.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener or Erythritol (optional): For that classic touch of sweetness, completely sugar-free.
- Xanthan Gum (optional): A pinch thickens the sauce perfectly if you want that glossy finish.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for texture, toasty flavor, and quick curb-appeal!
How to Make Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Kick things off by heating half your oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then let them sizzle away until golden brown and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Once they reach that perfect, caramelized edge, remove the chicken and keep it cozy on a plate nearby.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, pour in the rest of your oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Give them a quick stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes. You want everything bright, crisp-tender, and bursting with color and aroma without getting soggy—this is the secret to great texture in your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe!
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sweetener. If you’re going for that classic glossy, thick sauce, this is the time to whisk in that little bit of xanthan gum. Just be sure it dissolves completely for silky results.
Step 4: Combine & Finish
Slide the cooked chicken back into the pan with your veggies, then pour the sauce all over. Gently stir to coat every piece until it all looks beautifully glazed. Toss in the raw cashews and green onions and keep everything moving for another 2–3 minutes, just until the cashews are warmed through and flavors are mingling deliciously.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take everything off the heat and, if you’d like, scatter sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of crunch and charm. Serve your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe hot and enjoy the magical combo of tastes and textures!
How to Serve Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing might be optional, but it really completes the dish! I love sprinkling a handful of sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for color and crunch. A few extra toasted cashews never hurt, and if you love spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes brings heat and balance.
Side Dishes
For the full keto experience, I highly recommend serving this with fluffy cauliflower rice—it soaks up the sauce and keeps things light. Zucchini noodles or sautéed cabbage are fantastic, too, if you want to change it up. If you’ve got non-keto eaters in your crowd, serve theirs over jasmine rice and everyone’s happy!
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers for a pop of drama and fun? Mini lettuce wraps are another playful, party-friendly option—just spoon the savory mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. For a meal-prep lunch, portion it into meal-prep containers with a side of veggies and that signature sauce drizzled on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Store any extra Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even better as they mingle—just be sure to let everything cool down before you seal it up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well, especially if you leave out the cashews (which can lose their crunch when frozen). Simply cool the chicken and veggies, pack them in a freezer-safe container, and keep frozen for up to a month. Stir in fresh cashews when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. You can also zap it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often so everything heats up evenly and the chicken stays juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option—just be careful not to overcook, as they can dry out more easily. Either way, your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe will come out juicy and flavorful.
How can I make this recipe paleo?
Easy! Opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and choose a paleo-friendly sweetener like pure monk fruit or skip it altogether. This way, your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe stays clean and meets paleo guidelines.
Are the cashews raw or roasted?
Using raw cashews keeps the carb count lowest and lets you control the toastiness. If you prefer, lightly toast the cashews in a dry pan first to deepen their flavor before tossing them into the dish.
Is xanthan gum necessary for thickening?
Nope, it’s totally optional! The sauce will still taste amazing if you skip the xanthan gum; it’ll just be a bit thinner. If you enjoy a thick, glossy sauce like classic takeout, add a teensy bit and stir well.
What’s the best way to add heat?
If you love a little fire, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil right at the end. You can also stir in some sriracha or diced fresh chili with the veggies for a custom level of heat in your Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s healthy, easy, and exploding with flavor, this Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe really delivers. I hope you’ll give it a try—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a meal prep day, it’s a dish that’s always satisfying, colorful, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
