Why Make This Recipe
Keto Cashew Chicken is a delicious twist on a classic dish that allows you to enjoy the savory flavors of chicken, veggies, and cashews while still sticking to your ketogenic lifestyle. This recipe is perfect for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing taste. With crunchy cashews, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables, each bite is satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
This dish is not only healthy but also simple to customize according to your preferences. It can be served with or without rice alternatives, making it flexible for different dietary needs. The friendly and inviting aroma of ginger and garlic will fill your kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere that makes mealtime enjoyable. So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe.
How to Make Keto Cashew Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup unsalted cashews
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos (for a keto option)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil will help create a delicious base for your dish and add a nutty flavor.
Add chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Sauté them until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. It’s essential to ensure the chicken is fully cooked for safety and tenderness.
Incorporate garlic and ginger into the skillet, cooking for an additional minute. These two ingredients offer an aromatic balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Stir in the diced bell pepper and broccoli to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This ensures you have a nice crunch while also allowing the veggies to absorb the flavors around them.
Add the cashews and soy sauce (or coconut aminos) to the mixture, stirring to combine everything evenly. The cashews will add a delightful crunch while the sauce brings it all together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste your dish at this point to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Cook for another couple of minutes until everything is heated through. This final touch ensures that all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. This not only looks appealing but adds a fresh finishing touch.
How to Serve Keto Cashew Chicken
Keto Cashew Chicken can be served in various ways. Here are a few suggestions:
On its own: Enjoy the dish as it is for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
With cauliflower rice: For those looking to keep it low-carb, pairing it with cauliflower rice gives you that satisfying texture and volume without the carbs found in regular rice.
On a bed of greens: Serve it over a fresh green salad for a hearty and nutritious meal.
In lettuce wraps: For a fun and different presentation, use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with the chicken mixture.
How to Store Keto Cashew Chicken
Leftovers can be stored easily. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm it through evenly.
If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Tips to Make Keto Cashew Chicken
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure they are fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will create a better texture and flavor, so try to use fresh bell peppers and broccoli if possible.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini to enhance both nutrition and flavor.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a kick of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dish.
Variation
If you want to shake things up a bit, here are a few variations to consider:
Swap the Nuts: While cashews give a nice crunch, you can also try using almonds or peanuts if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Different Proteins: This recipe can also work well with shrimp or beef instead of chicken. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different proteins require different amounts of cooking.
Vegetable Variations: Swap the broccoli for other crunchy vegetables like asparagus or even bok choy to change the taste.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
- Yes, you can replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or even use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
- Absolutely! The flavors are mild and pleasant, and the crunch of the cashews is usually a hit with kids.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply follow the directions for a quick meal!
What can I use as a side dish?
- You can pair Keto Cashew Chicken with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or cauliflower rice for a full meal.
Are there any gluten-free options?
- Yes! Use coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the dish gluten-free.
With its delicious flavors and ease of preparation, Keto Cashew Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking and savoring each vibrant, tasty bite!
Print
Keto Cashew Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A delicious and healthy twist on a classic dish, Keto Cashew Chicken combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and colorful vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup unsalted cashews
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces to the hot skillet and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
- Stir in diced bell pepper and broccoli, cooking until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add cashews and soy sauce (or coconut aminos), stirring to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for another couple of minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Serve with cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or over a fresh salad for a versatile meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg