Description
This Keto Cashew Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful low-carb dish that combines tender chicken breast with crunchy toasted cashews, a savory and slightly sweet sauce, and aromatic spices. Perfectly suited for a ketogenic diet, it features a delicious blend of sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and keto-friendly alternatives to traditional sweeteners to keep your carb count low while satisfying your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Nuts
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup cashews
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 sliced green onion for garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Oils and Condiments
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp tamari soy sauce
- 2 tbsp keto-friendly chili sauce
- 2 tbsp keto-friendly honey
- 1 tbsp vinegar
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 dried chili
- 1 tsp arrowroot
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Cashews: Heat a dry pan over low to medium heat and toast the cashews, stirring frequently until they become lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside to preserve their crunch.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the tamari soy sauce, keto-friendly chili sauce, keto-friendly honey, vinegar, arrowroot, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the arrowroot dissolves completely, then set the sauce aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with minced ginger, minced garlic, dried chili, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden and crispy. If using, add the chopped bell pepper halfway through cooking to soften.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken and allow it to bubble and thicken for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce coats the chicken evenly and binds well.
- Finish the Dish: Stir the toasted cashews into the pan to combine all flavors and textures. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra layer of flavor and appeal.
- Serve: Serve the keto cashew chicken hot, ideally over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly meal.
Notes
- Arrowroot is used as a thickening agent; you can substitute with xanthan gum for a more keto-friendly option if desired.
- Adjust the quantity of dried chili according to your spice tolerance.
- Keto-friendly honey is a sugar substitute that mimics honey’s taste but fits into a low-carb diet; alternatives like erythritol-based syrups can be used.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegan-friendly sauces.
- Serving the dish with cauliflower rice helps keep the meal low in carbohydrates and enhances the keto compliance.
