Low Sodium Cashew Chicken Recipe
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Jump to RecipeThis low sodium cashew chicken recipe is a tasty, nutty, and flavorful dinner recipe loaded with vegetables in a creamy sauce. Perfect to serve over white rice or brown rice with plenty of fresh herbs to top!
Ready in about 30 minutes, this low sodium chicken dinner idea is a great weeknight meal idea! Full of crunchy unsalted nuts, a creamy sauce, and sweet sauteed veggies.
Want more low sodium chicken dinner ideas? Try our low sodium apricot chicken, low sodium grilled chicken breasts, and low sodium chicken fajitas!
I love a good low sodium chicken recipe, and this super tasty cashew chicken was a major hit on our homestead! A filling, tasty, and simple dinner loaded flavor in every bite.
And it’s versatile too – you can substitute your favorite veggies in, the creamy peanut sauce tastes good with just about any vegetable! I’ll add some vegetable suggestions and swaps below!
I served this easy chicken dinner over white basmati rice, but you can use brown rice, quinoa, or any other grain of choice! Or serve with rice noodles or angel hair for a tasty take on lo mein.
This Low Sodium Cashew Chicken Recipe Is
- Bright
- Flavorful
- Fresh
- Crunchy
- Versatile
- Great to Serve with Rice or Noodles
- A Simple Low Sodium Dinner Idea!
Tips for Buying Low Sodium Chicken
I love finding new (& delicious!) ways to cook chicken. Chicken is an inexpensive protein, is great for easy lunches and dinners, and is so versatile – you can cook it many different ways! When buying chicken, make sure to find a low salt or sodium variety, as some chicken brands add a salt solution to texture the meat.
I recommend buying chicken that has a nutrition label on it, so you know the exact amount of sodium in the meat. Or check out your local butcher and ask them for low sodium options. And skip the rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken in the deli section – it can have added salt and sodium.
Ingredients for Low Salt Cashew Chicken
See the recipe card below for a full list of instructions and ingredient amounts!
Ground Chicken
I used a lean ground chicken breast for this recipe. It cooks quickly and has a great texture! Make sure you buy chicken that has a nutrition label so you can see exactly how much sodium is the chicken. Mine had 100 mg sodium per 4 ounce serving.
Vegetables
I used onions, carrot, garlic and bell peppers – but this is where you can swap in your favorite veggies! Add in broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, boy choy, carrots, green beans, etc.
Just make sure they are softened and sauteed before serving – if you use larger veggies like broccoli or cauliflower florets, then you may need a few minutes of additional cooking time.
Creamy Peanut Sauce
I made this simple peanut sauce with unsalted peanut butter, coconut milk, low sodium soy sauce, red chili flakes (for a little heat!), and lime juice.
Unsalted Cashews
The star ingredient! I love roasted, unsalted cashews as they have a great flavor but no added salt. I get mine from Trader Joe’s, but you can get them in stores and online too. Make sure they are unsalted before using to keep the sodium down.
Fresh Herbs
I topped my chicken with fresh cilantro which gave it an amazing flavor, but you can substitute fresh basil or fresh parsley if you don’t like the flavor of cilantro.
How To Make Low Sodium Cashew Chicken
- In a large wok (or large pan), add the ground chicken, sesame oil, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and low sodium soy sauce. Cook for 8-9 minutes over medium-high heat until chicken is cooked through and there is no pink. Set the chicken to one side of the wok/pan.
- Reduce heat to medium, and add the olive oil, chopped onions, and garlic to the wok or pan. Sauté the vegetables in the oil for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Add in the bell peppers and carrots, and cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the peanut butter and coconut milk, and stir in well to the chicken and vegetables until it makes a creamy sauce. Add in the cashews, lime juice, and cilantro. Stir well to combine.
- Serve over white rice, brown rice, or riced cauliflower, and top with extra cashews or cilantro before serving.
Low Sodium Chicken Dinner Ideas You May Enjoy
- Low Sodium Chicken Tacos
- Low Sodium Hot Honey Chicken
- Easy Low Sodium Pineapple Chicken Bowls
- Low Sodium Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts
- Low Sodium White Chicken Chili
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Low Sodium Cashew Chicken
Equipment
- Large Wok or Large Pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken or other lean ground meat
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 1 carrot grated, shredded, or spiralized
- ¼ cup unsalted peanut butter
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup whole unsalted cashews plus extra for garnish
- 2 limes freshly juiced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- In a large wok (or large pan), add the ground chicken, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and low sodium soy sauce. Cook for 8-9 minutes over medium-high heat until chicken is cooked through and there is no pink. Set the chicken to one side of the wok/pan.
- Reduce heat to medium, and add the olive oil, chopped onions, and garlic to the wok or pan. Sauté the vegetables in the oil for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Add in the bell peppers and carrots, and cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the peanut butter and coconut milk, and stir in well to the chicken and vegetables until it makes a creamy sauce. Add in the cashews, lime juice, and cilantro. Stir well to combine.
- Serve over white rice, brown rice, or riced cauliflower, and top with extra cashews or cilantro before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
*Please note, all nutrition content is estimated based on the ingredients we used, it may vary based on your ingredients. Always check your nutrition labels to verify sodium amounts.
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A great yummy way to use my chicen
Can the coconut milk be substituted with something else?
Hi Helen,
You could try substituting milk or cream in place of the coconut milk – if you make it with a substitute, please let us know how it turns out!
– Kelly
Where is the rice vinegar used?
Hi Mary,
I added the rice vinegar in the first step, right after the meat browns. It adds a lot of flavor to the dish!
Thanks,
Kelly
Very good recipe with a lot of Thai flavour. There is Rice Wine Vinegar mention in the ingredient list but not in the directions? I threw it in somewhere along the line and it turned out fine. I would personally double the chili flakes next time and use up the rest of the can of coconut milk (I like it saucy with rice). Thanks for the recipe will definitely make it again.
Hi Brian, great idea about adding a little extra heat! I’m glad you tried it out and liked it.
Thanks for the rating and review!
– Kelly