• Recipes
  • About
  • Cookbook
  • The Edit
  • Beyond the Kale
  • HypePress
  • Contact
Recipes
About
cookbook
the edit
Beyond the Kale
Hype
contact
search

sign up for insights and exclusives

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

Delicious, nourishing and totally doable!

Search your way

From “gluten free and cheesy” to “something cozy with cinnamon” this search gets you. It’s smart enough to find exactly what you’re craving.

Non-Negotiables? Dial In
the Vibes even fuRther!

🍂 all the fall
🥑 Paleo Friendly
🐄 beef
🍖 chicken
🥤 smoothies
🍪 cookies
🥗 big ass salads

Delicious, nourishing and totally doable!

  • Gluten Free
  • Grain Free
  • Paleo Friendly

5 from 8 votes
Home | Recipe | Dinner

Paleo Cashew Chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Protein 34g
Carbs 57g
Fats 31g
Move over Panda Express, this Paleo Cashew Chicken is about to rock your world! The chicken is coated with lots of sauce, which sticks to the chicken easily because it's first coated in arrowroot/tapioca flour. Add some broccoli, toss everything together well, and dinner is ready to serve in under 30 minutes! This recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family is guaranteed to love for years to come!

Recipe by:

Nicole Modic

April 24, 2022
Jump to Recipe

Skip to the goods

    Move over Panda Express, this Paleo Cashew Chicken is about to rock your world! The chicken is coated with lots of sauce (no sauce shortage here) and then it all gets tossed with lots of crunchy broccoli, for the perfect quick and easy, family-friendly dinner in under 30 minutes!

    This meal is basically an upgraded cashew chicken stir fry. The chicken breast pieces are first coasted with tapioca/arrowroot flour, so that the chicken doesn’t stick to the pan and the sauce reallyyyy sticks to the chicken well. Then, we add some broccoli florets, which stay crisp-tender – exactly the way I like it. No soggy broccoli here.

    And of course, you can add other veggies besides broccoli, such as red and green bell peppers and even some yummy edamame! Like all my recipes, just have fun, use up what you have in your refrigerator and make it your own!

    The Cashew Chicken Sauce 

    Of course, the sauce is the star of this recipe, and it’s very easy to make. I recommend using a blender to mix it all up, if you have one, because I feel like the flavors really come together well. If you don’t have one, or don’t feel like using it, you can simply whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and call it a day!

    To make the sauce, you need the following ingredients:

    • Coconut aminos: I love using coconut aminos in this recipe because it’s gluten-free, and contains less sodium than soy sauce. However, soy sauce/tamari will give the sauce more flavor, since it has a stronger flavor than coconut aminos. If using soy sauce, I recommend looking for low sodium soy sauce.
    • Chicken broth: You can use any broth you like, I use chicken since we are already using chicken in this recipe. 
    • Maple syrup: The maple syrup will offset some of the saltiness and add just the right about of sweetness.
    • Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, so if you have it, I recommend using it! Otherwise, you can substitute for 1 1/2 teaspoons of granulated garlic powder.
    • Ginger: I also really love using fresh ginger in this recipe, because it does make a difference with the flavor panel. That said, if you don’t have it, feel free to use ground ginger. Just don’t skip the ginger, it really tastes so delicious in this recipe!
    • Red pepper flakes: I like my cashew chicken a touch spicy, so I add just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You can omit it all together, or even add more, depending on your spice level preference. 
    • Salt & pepper: Salt and pepper to taste!

    How to make this Paleo Cashew Chicken

    To make this dinner in under 30 minutes, it’s pretty simple!

    1. The first think you need to do is chop the chicken into small cubes, then toss them in either tapioca flour, arrowroot flour, or corn starch. This is really helpful so that the chicken does not stick to the pan when cooking it, and also helps the sauce adhere to the chicken and not just slide off.
    2. Next, cook the chicken in the skillet for about 5-8 minutes total, then transfer the chicken to a plate. Note, the chicken won’t be completely cooked at this point, but that’s ok. It will eventually get cooked once you return the chicken to the skillet later.
    3. The next step is to saute the broccoli and onion in the same pan, and while that is cooking, prepare the sauce!
    4. To prepare the sauce, simply whisk together/blend the sauce ingredients and set it aside.
    5. Then it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet, add the sauce, and coat everything well.
    6. Add cashews on top, along with sesame seeds and cilantro, and plate your meal!

    I love serving this meal on a bed of white rice, but you can definitely enjoy it alone or with some extra veggies!

    If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and rating below! And since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx

    Home | Recipe | Dinner

    5 from 8 votes

    Paleo Cashew Chicken

    • Gluten Free
    • Grain Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Move over Panda Express, this Paleo Cashew Chicken is about to rock your world! The chicken is coated with lots of sauce, which sticks to the chicken easily because it's first coated in arrowroot/tapioca flour. Add some broccoli, toss everything together well, and dinner is ready to serve in under 30 minutes! This recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family is guaranteed to love for years to come!
    print pin
    Servings: 4 people
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Chicken:
    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
    • ½ cup tapioca flour or arrowroot flour or corn starch
    • 4 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided
    • 1 head broccoli, cut into small, even size florets (about 1 1/2 -2 cups)
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • ¾ cup raw cashews
    • 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
    • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
    Sauce:
    • ½ cup coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
    • ¼ cup chicken broth
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • 2 cloves garlic, mashed
    • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated (or ground ginger)
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions 

    1. Chop the chicken breasts into small pieces and place them in a medium bowl.
    2. Next, toss the chicken pieces in the tapioca/arrowroot flour, to coat well. Set aside.
    3. Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of the oil.
    4. Once the pan gets hot, add the chicken pieces, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until just cooked through. They don’t need to be fully cooked, just browned on all sides.
    5. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
    6. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet.
    7. Once hot, add the broccoli florets and the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes.
    8. While that is cooking, prepare the sauce, either by whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl, or by blending in a blender (preferred)!
    9. Add chicken back to the skillet.
    10. Pour sauce on top and coat everything well. Cook for another 5 minutes or so, until the broccoli is tender and chicken is cooked through!
    11. Add cashews, sesame seeds and cilantro on top.
    12. Serve alone or over white rice, and enjoy!
    Nutrition Hide Nutrition
    Calories: 635kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 34gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1218mgPotassium: 1200mgFiber: 6gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 1125IUVitamin C: 140mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 4mg

    Hey I’m Nicole!

    Founder of Kale junkie

    Your go-to girl for bold, nourishing eats that actually taste good.

    more goss
    follow along
    newest recipes
    • High Protein Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread

      High Protein Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread

    • Pumpkin Cold Foam Espresso Martini

      Pumpkin Cold Foam Espresso Martini

    • Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowls with Lemon Tahini Sauce

      Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowls with Lemon Tahini Sauce

    • 3-Ingredient Pistachio Milk

      3-Ingredient Pistachio Milk

    avoid the fomo

    The unfiltered Kale Junkie experience. Real-life bits you won’t find anywhere else, it’s all happening here.

    subscribe
    trending recipes
    The sliced beef tenderloin, sitting on a plate next to crispy smashed potatoes and grilled broccolini
    The Ultimate Easy Beef Tenderloin
    A big pot of the one-pan "Marry Me" chicken orzo, sitting on a countertop with a spoon resting inside of it
    One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo
    Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

    More Recipes Like This

    A plate of the saucy cashew chicken and broccoli, sitting on a countertop with a fork sitting on the plate
    Dinner

    20-Minute Saucy Cashew Chicken & Broccoli

    A red bowl, sitting on a countertop, with the mixed up Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad sitting inside of it. A gold fork can also be seen sitting inside of the bowl, sticking out of a bite of the chicken salad
    Salads

    The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad

    A jar of the easy chocolate cashew milk, sitting on a countertop, next to two smaller glasses of the cashew milk
    Drinks

    2 Minute Easy Chocolate Cashew Milk

    A colorful salad with shredded chicken, sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, purple cabbage, green onions, and chopped peanuts, garnished with cilantro. A bowl of dressing and a cutting board with cilantro are in the background.
    Salads

    Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad

    Rate & review

    SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!

    What others are saying

    1. Erin
      February 16, 2021

      Really great simple recipe for a 30 minute family meal. I substituted tofu for the chicken and served it all over udon noodles. It was great!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        February 22, 2021

        That sounds delicious, Erin! My husband loves it with tofu, too!!! Going to try with udon noodles – yum!

    2. Kim witman
      February 18, 2021

      5 stars
      Loved it. Made it for dinner this evening.

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        February 22, 2021

        I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! It’s a family favorite here!

    3. Mary
      February 22, 2021

      5 stars
      INCREDIBLE! I ran out of broccoli so I substituted mix bell peppers! Quick and easy recipe, the whole crew enjoyed!!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        February 22, 2021

        I am so so so happy to hear that you enjoyed this dish! It’s a family favorite! And love the addition of bell peppers!

    4. Denise
      February 23, 2021

      5 stars
      Loved the sauce! The whole meal was easy to make and didn’t take too long. Will definitely be making again soon:)

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        March 13, 2021

        I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed it! It’s definitely my healthy version of Panda Express!

    5. Jessica
      March 29, 2021

      Hi!
      I’m doing the whole 30! Will it be a deal breaker if I leave out the maple syrup?

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        March 29, 2021

        Hi! You can leave it out! It just adds a touch of sweetness which I like, but it’s not essential. Enjoy!

    6. corinne
      April 23, 2021

      This was the first recipe I tried and let me say WOW!!! This is a perfect home cooked meal. My mom and I have already made it two times since, So delicious can’t wait to try more recipes!!!!!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        April 23, 2021

        I am so honored and happy to hear that! Thank you for trying out this recipe!

    7. Loni Chapman
      December 1, 2021

      5 stars
      Definitely one for the whole fam! So delicious. Served with rice noodles bc my son loves all noodles and omitted the red pepper flakes for my daughter.

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        December 4, 2021

        Yum! That sounds so delicious, Loni! Thank you so much for your review!

    8. Katydid
      January 18, 2024

      5 stars
      Delicious! I just made it for the second time in 6 days!!😂😍😋. It came together quickly after work👍🏼

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        January 22, 2024

        Yay! I am so thrilled to hear that! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving such a kind review!

    9. Tiffany
      June 17, 2024

      I just had to come on here and add a 5 star review because this was so delicious. We did sugar snap peas instead of broccoli and added a half a red bell pepper. Served over sweet potato (glass) noodles. Amazing!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        July 6, 2024

        I am so happy that you enjoyed it, Tiffany! The glass noodles sound delicious ☻ Thank you so much for your review!

    10. Maya
      February 15, 2025

      5 stars
      My family loved this!

      Reply

    Delicious, nourishing
    and totally doable!

    Get the inside scoop

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    • About
    • Cookbook
    • The Edit
    • Hype
    • Contact
    instagram
    TikTok
    Facebook
    YouTube
    Pinterest
    © 2025 Kalejunkie. All Rights Reserved.

    Website by Saevil Row + Made To Thrive

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required