This stir-fry features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces, vibrant bell peppers, and a generous amount of golden roasted cashews, all coated in a dark and glossy garlic-ginger sauce. The dish is finished with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a scatter of fresh green onions, creating a colorful and aromatic bowl that highlights the contrast between the soft poultry and the buttery crunch of the nuts.
About This Recipe
A hot skillet transforms the chicken and peppers into a meal characterized by the high-heat aroma of ginger and garlic. The chicken stays tender while the bell peppers provide a mild sweetness and a slight crunch. The sauce clings to every surface, pulling together the savory depth of the coconut aminos with the sharp, bright notes of rice vinegar.
The buttery, roasted cashews provide a consistent crunch that breaks up the softness of the meat and vegetables. Each bite carries a warmth from the fresh ginger, balanced by the earthy, nutty undertone of sesame oil. The addition of green onions at the end provides a cool, sharp contrast to the caramelized edges of the chicken and the richness of the sauce.
This dish is typically served steaming hot, often over a base of mild vegetables that can absorb the extra glaze. It is a straightforward meal where the freshness of the produce and the quality of the roasting on the nuts take center stage. The vibrant colors of the peppers and onions make it a visually appealing option for a quick dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy — ready in 30 minutes
- Sweet, salty, and full of umami flavor
- Perfect weeknight keto dinner
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Low-carb Asian takeout fix
What You’ll Need for This Keto Cashew Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- ½ cup roasted unsalted cashews
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup or brown erythritol
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, 5–6 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk coconut aminos, vinegar, sweetener, and sesame oil.
- Pour sauce into the skillet and toss well. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in roasted cashews and green onions. Season to taste and serve hot over cauliflower rice.
FAQ
- Can I use almonds instead of cashews?
Yes! Toasted almonds or macadamias also work well for a crunchy texture. - How can I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a touch of sugar-free chili garlic sauce. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time slightly — you mainly want to heat and coat it in sauce. - Is this meal prep friendly?
Definitely. It keeps up to 4 days refrigerated and reheats beautifully in a skillet.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add broccoli or zucchini for more veggies.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Replace coconut aminos with tamari if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cauliflower rice, steamed cabbage, or shirataki noodles for a full low-carb Asian-style meal.

Keto Cashew Chicken (Low-Carb Takeout Classic)
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless (skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
- 1 cup bell peppers (chopped (any color))
- ½ cup roasted unsalted cashews
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup or brown erythritol
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, 5–6 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk coconut aminos, vinegar, sweetener, and sesame oil.
- Pour sauce into the skillet and toss well. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in roasted cashews and green onions. Season to taste and serve hot over cauliflower rice.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
Try these next:
- Thai Basil Beef (Pad Krapow) – Low Carb Thai Street Food
- Sichuan Beef with Chili Oil (Low Carb & Spicy)
New keto recipes are added every week — check back often for more low-carb inspiration!
