• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cassidy's Craveable Creations logo

  • Recipes
  • Start Keto
  • Meal Plans
  • Login
  • Patreon
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Start Keto
  • Meal Plans
  • Login
  • Patreon
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Start Keto
    • Meal Plans
    • Login
    • Patreon
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ร—
    Home ยป Keto

    Keto Cashew Chicken

    Published: Mar 1, 2021 Updated: Mar 12, 2021 By: Cassidy Stauffer May earn from affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pinnable image with text
    pinnable image with text
    pinnable image with text

    This paleo & keto cashew chicken recipe is a 30-minute meal that features tender, stir-fried chicken in a thick and flavorful sauce with cashews that tastes just like take-out, only better!

    overhead shot of cashew chicken in a bowl over cauliflower rice
    overhead shot of cashew chicken in a bowl over cauliflower rice

    This keto cashew chicken (along with this tikka masala!) is one of my favorite take-out fake-out recipes!

    It only takes 30 minutes, one skillet, and tastes just like your favorite take-out, only better!

    The chicken is super tender and coated in a thick, flavorful sauce with cashews.

    Then, serve over cauliflower rice and you have your own restaurant-quality meal that's easy and ready within 30 minutes, but healthier and diet-friendly!

    And if you're looking for more low-carb Asian recipes, I think you'll love these Orange Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Beef And Broccoli, and Sweet And Sour Chicken recipes!

    Jump to:
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Easy instructions
    • Storage
    • Top tips and substitutions
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

    While chicken breasts can be substituted, I don't recommend it. Chicken breasts will likely turn out dry while thighs remain juicy and tender.

    Do I have to use Swerve Gold Sweetener?

    No! Feel free to use any sweetener you prefer! I like to use a golden/brown keto sweetener, but any sweetener will work. If you choose to use pure allulose, however, it's not quite as sweet as other sweeteners so you may need to add a bit more.

    What is fish sauce? Can I omit it?

    Fish sauce is made from, you called it - fermented fish!!! It's usually found on the International or Asian food aisle. It adds a sweet, salty, earthy, and complex umami flavor. While you can omit it, I don't recommend doing so because it will taste a bit flat & boring without it.

    Easy instructions

    ingredients on countertop
    ingredients on countertop

    Start by gathering all of your ingredients. I have everything you'll need in the picture above except the sherry cooking wine - just because I forgot, sorry!

    wet ingredients in bowl with text listing ingredients
    wet ingredients in bowl with text listing ingredients

    Mix together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. The ingredients include:

    • coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
    • sesame oil
    • sweetener
    • rice vinegar
    • fish sauce
    browned chicken in skillet
    browned chicken in a skillet

    For the chicken: Chop the thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel, if needed. If the chicken has excess water on it, it will not brown properly.

    Add the oil to a large skillet over medium-high high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Be sure not to over-crowd the skillet and cook in batches if needed.

    Then, sprinkle with sea salt. Leave it alone for 1 to 2 minutes to give it a chance to brown. Once nicely browned, stir it around so the rest of the chicken can brown.

    chicken with bell pepper, garlic, and ginger in skillet
    chicken with bell pepper, garlic, and ginger in skillet

    Stir in some garlic, ginger, and a green bell pepper. Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the pepper is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

    close up of finished dish in cast iron skillet
    close up of finished dish in cast iron skillet

    De-glaze the pan (scrape up all the yummy bits on the bottom!) with some sherry cooking wine.

    While broth can be substituted, I highly recommend sherry cooking wine because it adds a fantastic flavor!

    Add the sauce and stir to combine. Then, stir in ยผ tsp. xanthan gum to thicken.

    💭Tip: Mix the xanthan gum with a small amount of oil or melted butter to prevent it from clumping!

    overhead shot of cashew chicken over cauliflower rice with garnishes
    overhead shot of cashew chicken over cauliflower rice with garnishes

    Stir in some unsalted cashews. Serve with stir-fry vegetables over cauliflower rice, garnish with onions, and serve!

    Storage

    • Store: Low-carb cashew chicken is best served fresh while the cashews are crunchy, but it can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Allow to cool completely before placing in the fridge.
    • Reheat: Stir-fry in a skillet over medium-high heat until heated through or reheat in the microwave.

    Top tips and substitutions

    • While chicken broth can be substituted, I highly recommend sherry cooking wine because it adds a fantastic flavor!
    • While chicken breasts can be substituted, I don't recommend it. Chicken breasts will likely turn out dry while thighs remain juicy and tender.
    • Feel free to use any sweetener you prefer!
    • While you can omit the fish sauce, I don't recommend doing so because it will taste flat & dull without it.
    • For Paleo, you can replace the xanthan gum with 1 ยฝ tablespoon of tapioca or arrowroot flour mixed with 2 Tbsp. of cold water. Then, bring the mixture to a boil, add the tapioca slurry, and stir until thickened.

    If you've tried this low-carb keto cashew chicken please let me know what you think in the comments below!

    Craving more? FOLLOW ME on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or E-Mail to find more delicious food!

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    overhead shot of cashew chicken in a bowl over cauliflower rice

    Keto Cashew Chicken

    This paleo & keto cashew chicken recipe is a 30-minute meal that features tender, stir-fried chicken in a thick and flavorful sauce with cashews that tastes just like take-out, only better!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Add to Meal PlanGo to Collections
    Cuisine: Asian, dairy free, gluten free, Keto, low carb, paleo, soy free
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    CALORIES :414kcal
    CARBS :11g
    FIBER :4g
    Author: Cassidy Stauffer

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup Coconut Aminos - or gluten-free soy sauce (a bit stronger, so use less)
    • ½ tsp. Sesame Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Swerve Golden Sweetener - or preferred sweetener
    • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
    • 2 Tbsp + ยฝ tsp. Avocado Oil - or oil of choice, DIVIDED
    • 8 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
    • Sea Salt - as needed (I usually use around ยฝ tsp.)
    • 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
    • 1 ½ tsp. Ground Ginger
    • 1 whole Green Bell Pepper
    • ¼ cup Sherry Cooking Wine - sherry wine, or chicken broth
    • ¼ teaspoon Xanthan Gum
    • ¼ cup Unsalted Cashews
    • Cauliflower Rice - for serving
    • 1 whole Green Onions - for serving
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, mix together the coconut aminos (or soy sauce), sesame oil, sweetener, rice vinegar, and fish sauce. Set aside.
    • Chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel, if needed. If the chicken has excess water on it, it will not brown properly. Set aside.
    • Add 2 Tablespoons of oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Be sure not to over-crowd the skillet and cook in batches if needed.
    • Then, sprinkle with sea salt. Leave it alone for 2 to 3 minutes to give it a chance to brown. Once nicely browned, stir it around so the rest of the chicken can brown and cook another 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green bell pepper. Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the pepper is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
    • Add the sherry cooking wine and de-glaze the pan (scrape up all the yummy bits on the bottom). Allow to bubble for 30 seconds to a minute.
    • Add the sauce and stir to combine. Then, mix together the xanthan gum with ยฝ teaspoon of oil or melted butter in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir until thickened.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted cashews.
    • Serve over cauliflower rice, garnish with onions, and serve!
    • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

    Add Your Own Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Video

    Notes

    • See how easy this recipe is to make on my YouTube channel! Watch the full video here: Cashew Chicken YouTube Video!
    • While chicken broth can be substituted, I highly recommend sherry cooking wine or sherry wine because it adds fantastic flavor! It's usually found on the vinegar aisle.
    • While chicken breasts can be substituted, I don't recommend it. Chicken breasts will most likely turn out dry while chicken thighs will remain juicy and tender.
    • Feel free to use any sweetener you prefer!
    • For Paleo, replace the xanthan gum with 1 ยฝ tablespoon of tapioca or arrowroot flour mixed with 2 Tbsp. of cold water, use coconut palm sugar for the sweetener, and replace the sherry cooking wine with sherry wine or chicken broth. To add the tapioca/arrowroot slurry: Bring the sauce to a boil, add the slurry, and stir until thickened. 
    • Fish sauce is usually found on the International or Asian food aisle. It adds a sweet, salty, earthy, and complex umami flavor.  While you can omit the fish sauce, I don't recommend doing so because it will taste a bit flat & boring without it.
    • To cook in batches means to cook as much chicken as will comfortably fit in the pan. When the chicken is done, set it aside and cook the remaining chicken. Then, add the first batch of chicken back to the pan and continue on with the recipe.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup (approximate) | Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 902mg | Potassium: 667mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 3mg

    NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber - Allulose - Xylitol

    Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols, xylitol, and allulose are included in the total carbs and fiber.

    Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my

    Keto Resources
    Did You Try This Recipe?Mention @CassidysCraveableCreations so I can take a look!

    More Gluten Free Keto Recipes

    • square image of green bean casserole with bacon on a white plate.
      Easy Weeknight Low-Carb Green Bean Casserole
    • square image of kielbasa and veggies on a sheet pan.
      Patreon: Keto Sheet Pan Kielbasa With Veggies
    • banana smoothie with garnishes.
      Keto Banana Smoothie
    • chocolate smoothies in glasses with strawberries.
      Patreon: Keto Chocolate Smoothie
    415 shares
    • 5

    Cassidy is a certified keto and intermittent fasting health coach and a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of her family, she serves up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. She's passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

    Read Moreโ€ฆ

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    pinnable image with text
    pinnable image with text
    pinnable image with text
    Head Shot Of Cassidy Stauffer

    Hi, I'm Cassidy! I'm a certified keto and intermittent fasting coach and am a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of my family, I serve up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. I'm passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Overhead shot of meatball soup in a pot
    • Overhead shot of lasagna soup
    • Homemade mayo in small mason jar with ingredients in the background
    • overhead shot of shredded chicken in a white bowl
    • close up of a fork cutting a piece of salmon
    • overhead shot of keto oatmeal with pecans

    Footer

    • Login
    • Logout

    Footer

    pinnable image with text
    pinnable image with text
    pinnable image with text

    ↑ back to top ↑

    About/Contact

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosures
    • Contact
    • About Me

    Membership

    • Become A Patreon
    • Sign Up For Free Meal Planning
    • Cancel Membership

    Keto Resources

    • Start A Keto Diet
    • Keto Calculator
    • Keto Breads E-Book
    • Recipes
    • Watch My Web Stories!

    Cassidy's Craveable Creations BBB Business Review
    "as seen in" image

    Copyright @ 2025 Cassidy's Craveable Creations

    415 shares
    • 5

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    Name and email are required