Keto Cashew Chicken – Paleo / Whole30 / Low Carb

This Keto Cashew Chicken recipe is a low carb & paleo friendly meal with all the delicious flavors of a Chinese restaurant takeout dish. This healthy Whole30 one pan meal comes together in less than 30 minutes & is perfect for busy weeknights.

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Making low carb Chinese stir-fry dishes at home with restaurant quality are easier now that keto friendly ingredients are so accessible.

You can still get those great flavors without compromising your health goals and trying to stay within your macros. And that’s what I love about Keto and Paleo eating. You can make a few small substitutions in nearly any recipe to get the same flavors and textures.

We are all about quick cooking weeknight dinners and this Keto Cashew Chicken comes together in less than 30 minutes in just one pan.

If you’ve been craving the Cashew Chicken from Panda Express or PF Chang’s for takeout, this paleo friendly homemade version is full of flavor and couldn’t be easier to make.

My family loves Asian inspired dishes, so we are always trying to make our own low carb / copycat version of restaurant style dinners at home. A few popular reader favorites include this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli , Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry and Chicken Chow Mein (not low carb).

WHAT SAUCE IS USED IN CASHEW CHICKEN:

Just like with most Asian takeout dishes, the sauce is what makes any stir-fry the best. This keto friendly sauce is a combination of liquid aminos, sesame oil and five spice powder to add that umami kick.

Apple cider vinegar adds the little bit of tangy-ness and the red pepper chili flakes for the kick of heat.

Xanthan gum helps to thicken the sauce so it coats the chicken and veggies just like at the restaurants.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE PALEO CASHEW CHICKEN:

• chicken (we prefer chicken thighs but chicken breasts work as well)
• sea salt & black pepper
• baking soda
• avocado oil for frying
• fresh veggies – broccoli, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, green onions
• toasted cashews
• toasted sesame seeds – for garish
• green onions – for garnish

FOR THE SAUCE:

• bone broth
• liquid aminos
• sesame oil
• apple cider vinegar
• five spice powder
• red chili flakes (to taste)
• fresh minced ginger and garlic
• xanthan gum (optional – to thicken sauce)

Ingredients for chicken stir fry with roasted broccoli

HOW TO MAKE WHOLE30 CASHEW CHICKEN:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper and toss chicken with baking soda. Allow to sit while you make the bowl.
2. To make the sauce and marinade, whisk together the broth, aminos, sesame oil, vinegar, five spice powder, chili flakes. Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon of the sauce. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
3. Add avocado oil to a hot wok or pan. Sear the chicken until brown then transfer to a plate.
4. Add a little bit more avocado oil then add broccoli and bell peppers. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until tender crisp.
5. Stir in the remainder of the sauce. Sprinkle in xanthan gum, if you want a thicker sauce.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan until heated through. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions and serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.

WHAT OTHER VEGETABLES CAN I USE FOR CASHEW CHICKEN:

If you’re not a fan of broccoli or bell peppers, you can also make this low carb cashew chicken with zucchini, bok choy, green beans or mushrooms.

WILL KETO CASHEW CHICKEN WORK FOR MEAL PREP?

Absolutely!

This low carb cashew chicken is perfect for making ahead on your Sunday meal prep. Simply divide into air-tight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

WHAT SIDES CAN I SERVE CASHEW CHICKEN WITH?

Cashew chicken is delicious on its own or you can serve it over cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles or konjac rice.

The best part of having takeout cashew chicken is coating your sides with that amazing sauce. My husband lives for Asian takeout sauces so we always double the recipe whenever we make this.

OTHER HEALTHY CHICKEN DISHES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with Garlic

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Balsamic Chicken

5 from 4 votes

Print

Keto Cashew Chicken

Prep Time

12 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

27 mins

 

Keto Cashew Chicken - a low carb & paleo friendly recipe with all the delicious flavors of the Chinese restaurant takeout dish. This healthy Whole30 one pan meal comes together in less than 30 minutes & is perfect for busy weeknights.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: Asian chicken recipe, asian take out copycat recipe, cashew chicken, chinese takeout, keto, low carb, whole30

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 385 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs , cut into 1" chunks (can also use chicken breasts)
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt , or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper , or to taste
• 1.5 tablespoons avocado oil , for frying
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium red bell pepper , cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews
• toasted sesame seeds , for garish
• chopped green onions , for garnish

FOR THE SAUCE:

• 6 tablespoons bone broth , OR compliant chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons liquid aminos
• 1 teaspoon Red Boat fish sauce , (leave out if preferred but adds so much umami flavor)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon five spice powder
• 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes , to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum , (optional – to thicken sauce)

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper.. Allow to sit while you make the bowl.

2. To make the sauce and marinade, whisk together the broth, aminos, sesame oil, vinegar, five spice powder, chili flakes. Toss chicken with 1/2 tablespoon of the sauce. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.

3. Add avocado oil to a hot wok or pan. Sear the chicken until brown then transfer to a plate.
4. Add a little bit more avocado oil then add broccoli and bell peppers. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until tender crisp.

5. Stir in the remainder of the sauce and the cashews. Sprinkle in xanthan gum, if you want a thicker sauce.

6. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan until heated through. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions and serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition Facts

Keto Cashew Chicken

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 385 Calories from Fat 261

% Daily Value*

Fat 29g45%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 22g44%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.