Dinner

Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe

ByRafael Mansero October 17, 2025October 17, 2025

Introduction

This Keto Cashew Chicken is a delicious low-carb meal that combines tender chicken with crunchy toasted cashews and a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a satisfying balance of savory and spicy notes.

A close-up of a rustic brown-edged white plate filled with stir-fried chicken pieces coated in a shiny reddish-brown sauce. Mixed in are bright green bell pepper chunks and whole cashew nuts with a creamy beige color. The dish is sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and small chopped green onions, adding texture and color contrast. Long green onion strips lay naturally on top for garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred pair of black chopsticks in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp sesame oil
1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup cashews
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 dried chilli
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sliced green onion for garnish
1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)

For the sauce:

2 tbsp tamari soy sauce
2 tbsp keto friendly chilli sauce
2 tbsp keto friendly honey
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp arrowroot
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the cashews in a dry pan over low to medium heat, stirring often until they are lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the tamari soy sauce, keto friendly chilli sauce, keto friendly honey, vinegar, arrowroot, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
Step 3: Heat the sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
Step 4: Add the chicken pieces, minced ginger, minced garlic, dried chilli, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5–10 minutes until the chicken is golden and crispy on the outside. Add the chopped bell pepper halfway through cooking if using.
Step 5: Pour in the prepared sauce and let it bubble and thicken for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Stir in the toasted cashews, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier meat and richer flavor.
Substitute tamari with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Add more dried chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
For a nut-free version, omit cashews and add extra vegetables like snap peas or broccoli.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through to maintain the chicken’s crispiness. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the texture intact.

How to Serve

The dish is served on a white plate with a rustic brown and beige rim, filled with a mix of chunks of golden-brown cooked chicken pieces coated in a glossy, dark reddish sauce. Among the chicken are bright green bell pepper chunks adding a fresh color contrast. A few whole, light golden cashew nuts are scattered on top, along with a sprinkle of white and black sesame seeds. Green onion pieces and two long green scallion stalks rest on the chicken, adding a touch of freshness. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface, and a pair of dark brown chopsticks are visible in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Yes, macadamia nuts or almonds work well as alternatives for a keto-friendly crunch, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well when refrigerated and can be portioned for easy meals throughout the week. Just reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.