Who says Christmas dinner has to be all turkey and stuffing? In my house, this keto Coconut & Cashew Chicken Curry steals the show! With creamy coconut milk and buttery cashews, it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm tropical hug—just what you need when the holiday chaos hits. And those spices? Cinnamon and cloves bring all the holiday vibes, making this curry feel as festive as a mug of mulled wine (minus the carbs!).
Coconut + Cashews: Holiday Duo You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s talk superpowers. Coconut milk has lauric acid, an immune-boosting MCT to keep you sniffle-free, and cashews are basically edible mood boosters, thanks to their magnesium and L-tryptophan. A 2023 study even says they help you sleep better—perfect for surviving holiday mayhem! Add some chicken to the mix, and this dish is the ultimate festive fuel.
Cashews Are Nuts—Kinda!
Here’s a giggle for your dinner table: cashews aren’t actually nuts—they’re seeds that grow on the bottom of cashew apples. Yep, your curry’s MVP is the upside-down daredevil of the nut world. Makes you appreciate them a little more, huh?
Table of Contents
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
- Rich & Creamy Delight: This keto coconut & cashew chicken curry is made with creamy coconut milk and nutty cashew butter, creating a luscious, velvety sauce.
- Low-Carb Goodness: With only 7g net carbs per serving, it’s perfect for staying on track with your keto goals.
- Protein-Packed: Tender chicken thigh pieces ensure a hearty, satisfying meal with 29g of protein per serving.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a breeze to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
- Nutrient-Packed Veggies: Keto-friendly vegetables like green beans, broccoli, and zucchini add crunch, fiber, and vibrant color.
- Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Ideal for anyone with dietary restrictions while remaining indulgent and flavorful.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer to enjoy this curry throughout the week.
- Customizable Heat: Want it spicier? Add extra chili powder or top with fresh chili slices to dial up the heat.
- Balanced Flavor Profile: A blend of warm spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander makes every bite bold and aromatic.
This recipe is not just food—it’s comfort in a bowl, perfectly tailored for your keto lifestyle!
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken thigh fillets
- Coconut oil
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Cashew butter (or almond butter)
- Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder
- Garlic and ginger
- Keto-friendly vegetables (e.g., green beans, broccoli, zucchini)
- Roasted cashews
- Fresh red chili
- Fresh cilantro
How to Make Keto Coconut & Cashew Chicken Curry
Sear the Chicken: Sauté the chicken in coconut oil until golden.
Prepare the Sauce: Build a flavorful sauce by combining coconut milk, cashew butter, and spices.
Simmer: Simmer the chicken in the sauce until tender.
Add Vegetables: Stir in your keto-friendly veggies during the last few minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Top with cashews, chili slices, and fresh cilantro for an irresistible finish.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips
- Fridge Life: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Perfect for quick lunches or lazy dinner nights!
- Freezer-Friendly: Got extra? Freeze portions in individual containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Made Easy: Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender. You can also microwave it in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
Serving Tips
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve over fluffy cauliflower rice for the ultimate low-carb curry experience!
- Zucchini Noodles: Love a noodle vibe? Spiralize zucchini for a keto-friendly “curry noodle bowl.”
- Fresh Greens: Pair with a simple green salad tossed in olive oil and lemon for a refreshing side.
- Cashew Sprinkle: Add extra roasted cashews on top for a satisfying crunch. Trust me—everyone will fight for the garnish!
- Double It Up: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and set out bowls of garnishes like cilantro, sliced chili, and lime wedges for a DIY curry bar.
This dish is so versatile, you can keep it cozy at home or make it a star at your next dinner party!
Tips & FAQs
Are Cashews Keto-Friendly?
Cashews contain more carbohydrates compared to other nuts, with about 9 grams of carbs per ounce. While they can be included in a ketogenic diet, it’s essential to consume them in moderation to maintain ketosis. Opting for nuts lower in carbs, such as pecans or macadamias, might be more suitable for strict keto adherence.
Is Cashew Chicken High in Carbs?
Traditional cashew chicken recipes often feature breaded chicken and sauces with added sugars, leading to higher carbohydrate content. For instance, a typical serving can contain approximately 12.3 grams of total carbs. To make it more keto-friendly, consider modifications like reducing or eliminating breading, using sugar-free sauces, and increasing the proportion of low-carb vegetables.
Does Coconut Milk Thicken Chicken Curry?
Yes, coconut milk can naturally thicken chicken curry. Its high-fat content imparts a rich, creamy texture to dishes. For enhanced thickness, some recipes incorporate coconut cream or ground nuts like cashews.
Are Cashews Carb-Heavy?
Compared to other nuts, cashews are relatively higher in carbohydrates. An ounce serving provides about 9 grams of carbs. While they offer healthy fats and protein, their carb content necessitates mindful consumption on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Can I Eat 20 Cashews a Day on Keto?
Consuming 20 cashews equates to roughly 1 ounce, delivering about 9 grams of carbs. For individuals aiming to keep daily carb intake below 20 grams to maintain ketosis, this portion would constitute a significant portion of that limit. Therefore, it’s advisable to limit cashew intake and opt for nuts with lower carb content to stay within your dietary goals.
Health Benefits of Keto Coconut & Cashew Chicken Curry
This isn’t just a delicious meal—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied, energized, and guilt-free. Here’s why this keto-friendly cashew chicken curry deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
1. Healthy Fats for Ketosis
Coconut milk and cashews aren’t just tasty; they’re brimming with healthy fats essential for a ketogenic diet. These fats keep you feeling full, stabilize energy levels, and help your body stay in ketosis. Plus, coconut milk provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed and converted into fuel for your brain and body.
2. Protein Powerhouse
Chicken thighs are a goldmine of lean protein, critical for muscle repair, growth, and overall energy. This dish packs enough protein to keep you going strong, whether you’re tackling a busy day or winding down after a workout.
3. Low-Carb Veggie Boost
With a mix of green beans, broccoli, and zucchini, this curry sneaks in a ton of vitamins, minerals, and fiber—without piling on the carbs. These veggies add a satisfying crunch, support digestion, and ensure you’re hitting your micronutrient goals while staying keto.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Spices
This curry is a flavor bomb for your taste buds and your body. Spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander don’t just add warmth and depth; they also boast incredible anti-inflammatory properties, support digestion, and even aid in boosting immunity. It’s like your spice rack decided to become your personal health coach!
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the Keto Coconut & Cashew Chicken Curry—they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨
Creamy Keto Coconut & Cashew Chicken Curry – Low-Carb Comfort
Description
A creamy, flavorful keto recipe for coconut and cashew chicken curry that’s low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
Spices and Aromatics
Garnishes
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
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Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
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In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas.
Step 3: Simmer the Curry
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Pour in the coconut milk and whisk in the cashew butter until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the seared chicken back to the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
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During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the vegetables to the curry. Cook until they are tender-crisp but still bright green, preserving their nutritional value.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with roasted cashews, fresh red chili slices, and cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 31g48%
- Saturated Fat 16g80%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 29g58%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
As a mom of three and a wife to a guy who swears he can’t live without carbs, I’m always testing recipes that make everyone at the table happy and keep me on track with keto. This keto coconut and cashew chicken curry? Total game-changer. My husband couldn’t believe it was low-carb (“Are you sure this is keto?!”), and my kids, who usually act like veggies are their sworn enemies, asked for seconds! It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. Trust me, this one’s a keeper in our house!
