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Cashew Chicken, Three Ways – Spicy, Sweet & Sour, and Low-Carb Variations

Whether you're craving heat, a tangy-sweet finish, or a guilt-free low-carb meal, this versatile spicy cashew chicken recipe covers all your flavor bases—plus, learn how to incorporate Chinese cooking techniques with a tandoor twist!

spicy cashew chicken recipe final product
Sweet & Sour Cashew Chicken recipe final product
low carb cashew chicken & keto Chinese chicken recipe final product

PREP TIME

20 minutes

COOK TIME

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (fresh) or
45 minutes (from frozen)

ASSEMBLY TIME

 15 minutes

SERVINGS

6–8 portions

Ingredients for Version 1
Spicy Cashew Chicken (Traditional Stir-Fry)

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized cubes)
  • ½ cup raw unsalted cashews
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp oil (peanut or avocado oil preferred)
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Ingredients for Version 2
Sweet & Sour Cashew Chicken (Tandoor-Style)

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
  • ½ cup cashews
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, cut into squares
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp oil
  •  

 Ingredients for Version 3
Low Carb Cashew Chicken (Keto-Friendly Version)

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cubed)
  • ½ cup raw cashews
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
Keto Sauce:
  • 1½ tbsp tamari (or coconut aminos)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp stevia or monk fruit
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional for spice)
  •  

Equipment Used

Tandoor Upgrade: CH02 Restaurant Commercial Tandoor Oven

For extra flavor, pre-cook your seasoned chicken in the CH02 Clay Tandoor Oven before shredding. This gives the chicken a subtle smokiness that turns your meal prep casserole into a gourmet experience.

Tandoor Tools:

Spicy Cashew Chicken (Traditional Stir-Fry)
Step-by-Step Recipe

  • Step 1: Toast Cashews
    • In a dry pan, toast cashews over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Prepare Sauce
    • In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar.
  • Step 3: Stir-Fry Chicken
    • Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Step 4: Sauté Veggies
    • In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes.
  • Step 5: Combine & Finish
    • Return chicken to the pan, add sauce and toasted cashews. Stir well. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Step 6: Garnish & Serve
    • Sprinkle chopped scallions and serve hot over rice.

Sweet & Sour Cashew Chicken (Tandoor-Style)
Step-by-Step Recipe

  • Step 1: Marinate Chicken
    • In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and oil. Toss in the chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Step 2: Skewer and Tandoor
    • Thread chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple onto skewers. Preheat the CH02 Tandoor Oven. Roast for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until chicken is charred and tender.
  • Step 3: Toast Cashews Separately
    • Toast cashews on a skillet or oven until lightly browned.
  • Step 4: Assemble
    • Slide chicken and veggies off skewers into a bowl, mix in toasted cashews, and toss with a bit of extra sweet chili sauce if needed.
  • Step 5: Serve
    • Best enjoyed hot, with rice or flatbread.

Low Carb Cashew Chicken (Keto-Friendly Version)
Step-by-Step Recipe

  • Step 1: Toast Cashews
    • Lightly toast in a dry pan. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Make Keto Sauce
    • Mix tamari, vinegar, sweetener, sesame oil, and sriracha.
  • Step 3: Cook Chicken
    • Heat avocado oil in a pan. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • Step 4: Sauté Veggies
    • Add garlic, ginger, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
  • Step 5: Combine & Finish
    • Return chicken, pour sauce over, and stir well. Add cashews and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
  • Step 6: Garnish & Serve
    • Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice for a perfect low carb cashew chicken meal.
Why This Recipe Works
  • Each version highlights cashews in stir fry, giving crunch and richness.
  • The spicy cashew chicken uses bold flavors true to Sichuan-style cooking.
  • The sweet & sour tandoori version fuses traditional Chinese cooking techniques with the fire-roasted taste of Indian clay ovens.
  • The keto Chinese chicken adapts everything to a guilt-free, carb-conscious lifestyle.

Need Help? Order and Technical Support

Have questions or ready to place an order? Reach out to us via phone at +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com. Need detailed instructions? Explore the Operation Manual for our CH & CS models to get started with your Tandoor oven today.

About Tandoor Morni

Tandoor Morni, in business since 1992, is a trusted name in premium Tandoori Clay Ovens, known for crafting high-quality traditional and commercial tandoors. With a commitment to excellence, Tandoor Morni offers a wide range of tandoors, including commercial, residential, catering, and copper models. Our tandoors are built with durable materials and designed for efficient heat distribution, ensuring authentic flavors and fast cooking. Each oven features customizable options like gas, wood fire, or charcoal compatibility, making them suitable for various cooking needs.