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!).
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.
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?
This recipe is not just food—it’s comfort in a bowl, perfectly tailored for your keto lifestyle!
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.
This dish is so versatile, you can keep it cozy at home or make it a star at your next dinner party!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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! 🥚✨
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!
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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!
