Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe

By Dr. Eric Berg DC

02/15/2025

Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Per serving: 327 calories, 31 g protein, 11 g carbohydrates, 15 g fat

Ingredients

2 Tbsp water

1 Tbsp xanthan gum

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb organic chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

sea salt and black pepper to taste

1 zucchini, diced

1 red bell pepper, cubed

½ cup carrots, shredded

½ cup snow peas

½ cup cashews, whole

¾ cup chicken broth

¼ cup fish sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp xylitol

1 tsp sesame oil

green onions for garnish

Directions:

In small bowl, combine water and xanthan gum. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Place chicken into hot oil, then season with salt and pepper. Add zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, and cashew nuts. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Slowly add chicken broth, fish sauce, garlic, xylitol and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
Add xanthan gum mixture, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.
Garnish with green onions and serve over cauliflower rice or with your choice of low-carb noodles.

Recipe tips:

Non-GMO organic soy sauce can be substituted for fish sauce if desired.
Add homemade chili garlic sauce or fresh ginger to taste for a spicier dish.
Steer clear of vegetable oil for this recipe, as its high omega-6 fatty acid content can promote inflammation.
For a deeper, more flavorful result, choose chicken thighs, or opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quicker prep.
Swap sautéed chicken for crispy fried chicken by coating it in almond flour and frying in avocado oil. This method adds a satisfying crunch and boosts the dish with healthy fats.
You can customize this dish by incorporating sauce ingredients such as red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, or cilantro.

In just 20 minutes, you can make a delicious, vibrant, and flavorful Keto Cashew Chicken, perfect for any weeknight meal.

Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and crunchy cashews are perfectly combined in a sweet and tangy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more.

With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this recipe provides a delicious low-carb meal the entire family will enjoy.

Why you’ll love this Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe

You'll love this Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe for its unbeatable combination of speed and flavor, making it a go-to choice whenever you’re short on time or craving delicious Thai food.

This low-carb twist on Thai cashew chicken delivers succulent chicken breasts sautéed with vibrant zucchini, sweet red bell peppers, and crunchy snow peas.

What’s more, each ingredient offers a unique set of health benefits. Chicken breasts are an excellent source of essential amino acids, while zucchini provides fiber and antioxidants that promote digestion and overall wellness.

Another key ingredient, cashew nuts, adds healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to heart health and boost energy levels.

This is confirmed by a study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, which highlights that cashew nuts are a rich source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Although the dish contains 11 grams of total carbohydrates, the fiber helps reduce the net carb count to just nine grams. Fiber slows digestion, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes, which makes this dish more suitable for keto dieters.

Another reason to love this recipe is the sweet and tangy cashew chicken sauce. This rich blend of chicken broth, fish sauce, and sesame oil adds incredible depth of flavor, making it far superior to takeout.

Avoid purchasing store-bought sauces, such as hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or low-sodium soy sauce. These products typically contain added sugars and preservatives, which can quickly interfere with fat-burning and ketosis.

This recipe is also easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences. For an extra boost of nutritious greens, consider incorporating broccoli, kale, or bok choy.

For an even more satisfying meal, serve it over cauliflower fried rice or low-carb noodles to take the dish to the next level.

While this recipe calls for sautéing, you can also deep fry the chicken using avocado oil for an extra crispy texture before tossing it into the flavorful sauce mixture.

Moreover, garnishing this meal with chopped green onions provides a fresh, aromatic touch and elevates the presentation of this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry.

Raw chicken

Is chicken healthy?

Chicken is an incredibly nutritious and versatile protein option that offers numerous health benefits.

It's a great source of essential amino acids, which are needed for muscle growth, repair, hormone production, neurotransmitter balance, and maintaining overall energy levels.

"Chicken also provides essential nutrients, including vitamin B6, which aids brain function, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant supporting detoxification and the immune system," explains Dr. Berg.

However, choosing the right chicken products is key to maximizing these health advantages.

Opting for organic, pasture-raised chicken guarantees the meat is free from antibiotics and hormones while offering higher nutritional value thanks to the chicken's natural diet and access to the outdoors.

While labels such as cage-free or free-range may sound appealing, they’re misleading. For instance, cage-free only means the chickens aren't kept in cages, but it doesn’t guarantee outdoor access or humane living conditions.

Similarly, the free-range label requires only minimal outdoor space for livestock, which may not reflect the idyllic image consumers expect.

For the highest-quality chicken, choose pasture-raised or organic labels, and, when possible, source it from a trusted local farmer. These options not only support your health but also promote more ethical farming practices.

What to serve with Keto Cashew Chicken

There are many mouthwatering ways to enjoy this Keto Cashew Chicken recipe.

Here are some great ideas of what to pair it with.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

This Cauliflower Fried Rice is a delectable, low-carb replacement to traditional rice that pairs perfectly with Keto Cashew Chicken.

Simply chop cauliflower florets into small pieces, season with coconut aminos, and fry in a pan until tender. Add diced carrots and scrambled eggs for extra flavor and crunch.

Keto Egg Noodles

If you're feeling adventurous, make your own Keto Egg Noodles using eggs and cream cheese.

Simply cut them into strips and cook in boiling water for a few minutes until tender. Top them with this low-carb Cashew Chicken Stir Fry for a truly indulgent meal.

Zucchini Noodles

Another low-carb alternative to pasta are zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles. Simply use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to transform zucchini into long strands resembling spaghetti.

Toss zoodles into the pan with the cooked chicken and vegetables for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Keto Oven Roasted Vegetables

Roast your favorite low-carb vegetables for a light and flavorful side dish.

Great options include Brussels sprouts, oyster mushrooms, broccoli, and bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning before baking to enhance the flavor.

Incorporate these Keto Oven Roasted Vegetables into your cashew chicken stir fry for a delicious boost of texture, flavor, and nutrients that perfectly complement the dish.

Couple making stir-fry

Storing and reheating tips

To make meal prep easier, store this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. When ready to reheat, warm it in a pan over medium heat until thoroughly warmed.

You can also freeze this dish for up to three months, but ensure that all ingredients are completely cooled before storing.

When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming on the stovetop.

Cashew chicken

Final thoughts

This Keto Cashew Chicken Stir Fry recipe delivers a perfect balance of irresistible flavors and essential nutrients. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and high-quality protein, it supports your keto lifestyle while satisfying your taste buds.

The combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables provides a nutrient-dense meal that promotes satiety and overall well-being.

Whether you're following a low-carb diet or simply seeking a wholesome, flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

FAQ

1. How many carbs are in this Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe?

This recipe contains 11 grams of total carbohydrates, but thanks to its fiber content, the net carbs are reduced to just nine grams.

2. Is Keto Cashew Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.

However, to avoid potential hidden sources of gluten, carefully check the labels of any store-bought sauces used in the recipe.

3. Can I use a different type of nut for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cashew nuts with almonds, walnuts, or any other nut you choose.

Just ensure they're unsalted and raw for maximum health benefits.

4. Are cashews keto-friendly?

Yes, cashews can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet. While they're slightly higher in carbohydrates than other nuts, they offer plenty of healthy fats and essential nutrients, including magnesium, zinc, and iron. Just be mindful of portion sizes to stay within your daily carb limit.

5. Is it important to get organic chicken?

Yes, organic chicken is recommended for this recipe to minimize your exposure to antibiotics and growth hormones often found in conventionally raised chicken. Organic produce also tends to be richer in nutrients due to the chicken's natural diet and access to outdoor space.

6. Is chicken high in carbs?

No, chicken is low in carbohydrates and an excellent source of protein and beneficial fats, making it a popular choice for those following a nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto®.