• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Neils Healthy Meals

Quick Healthy Meals

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Wellbeing
  • Healthy Living
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • FREE eBook
  • Healthy Living
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • FREE eBook
    • Healthy Living
    • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dinner » Curry

    Easy Chicken Cashew Curry

    Published: Nov 17, 2022 · Updated: Nov 17, 2022 by Neil 18 Comments

    7 shares
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe

    Easy chicken cashew curry is a delicious creamy and rich tasting curry. It's a mildly spiced family dinner. Great with rice or naan bread!

    Overhead view of a plate of easy chicken cashew curry served on basmati rice garnished with chopped coriander. Fork to the side. Above a bowl of rice and rest of curry in a saucepan.

    Folks if you're looking for a tasty chicken and nut curry then you'll love this easy chicken cashew curry.

    There are a lot of variations of cashew nut curry out there for you to choose from.

    What's different with mine is that I keep the cashew nuts as part of the dish.

    Most other cashew curry recipes have you blitzing the cashew nuts in the sauce. But I prefer the taste and crunch of the cashews in their whole form.

    I use a similar creamless sauce that I make in my lighter chicken korma recipe to create this creamy cashew chicken curry.

    So you'll also find this a much lighter and lower fat chicken cashew curry recipe compared to those other curries too!

    A plate of chicken cashew curry served on basmati rice garnished with chopped coriander, fork to the left hand side. Bowl of rice and rest of curry in saucepan at back.

    This easy chicken cashew curry comes in at just 354 calories per serving. Excluding any accompaniments.

    You can easily serve this with some basmati or jasmine rice or home made naan breads.

    At first glance you may think that this recipe isn't easy.

    But it actually is because there's only 20 minutes of prep required and the rest is about 50 minutes of the actual cooking.

    Most of the list of ingredients are the spices required to make up the creamy sauce.

    If you love a good creamy curry as we do, but not the actual calories that come from it then this alternative curry is for you.

    Make sure to add this easy cashew curry to your list of favourite curry recipes!

    Also please do check out all my other curry recipes!

    Chicken cashew curry served on a bed of rice. Garnished with chopped coriander. Fork to the left side. Saucepan of curry and bowl of rice in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Equipment
    • FAQ's
    • More Chicken Curry Recipes For You To Try
    • 📋 Easy Chicken Cashew Curry Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe

    Ingredients

    Easy chicken cashew curry ingredients laid out on a table.
    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
    • Fat Free Yogurt
    • Cardamom Pods
    • Cumin
    • Coriander
    • Turmeric
    • Chilli Powder
    • Cloves
    • Unsalted Cashew Nuts
    • Vegetable Oil
    • Onions
    • Garlic And Ginger Paste
    • Corn Flour
    • Cold Water
    • Caster Sugar
    • Freshly Ground Salt And Black Pepper
    • Freshly Chopped Coriander (optional for garnish)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this easy chicken cashew curry recipe:

    Bowl of bite size chunks of chicken marinated in yogurt.

    Step 1

    • Coat chicken in yogurt and marinate in fridge for at least 1 - 4 hours.
    Cardamom pods crushed in a pestle and mortar.

    Step 2

    • In a pestle and mortar crush the cardamom pods. Remove their skins. Leaving only the crushed seeds.
    Cardomom pods, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder and clove ends crushed together in a pestle and mortar.

    Step 2 cont.

    • Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder and clove ends to the cardamom seeds.
    Cashew nuts dry fried in a frying pan until golden brown.

    Step 3

    • Dry fry the raw cashews until golden brown.
    Onions and garlic sauted in a saucepan.

    Step 4

    • Heat the oil. Sauté the onions and garlic and ginger paste over a medium heat.
    Spices stirred into sauteed onions.

    Step 5

    • Stir in the spices.
    Corn flour mixture and cold water added to saucepan of spices and sauteed onions.

    Step 6

    • Add the corn flour and cold water and mix, stirring together well.
    Chicken cashew curry ingredients simmered together in a saucepan.

    Step 7

    • Bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes stirring from time to time. Then remove saucepan from the heat.
    Chicken cashew curry sauce in a saucepan with a red spatula in.

    Step 8

    • Once cooled blitz mixture it in a food processor / blender until it is of a sauce consistency.
    Chicken added to cashew curry sauce.

    Steps 9, 10 and 11.

    • Simmer sauce again and stir in the sugar and tablespoon of yogurt.
    • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add extra sugar if required.
    • Stir in the marinated chicken.
    Cooked chicken cashew curry in a saucepan.

    Step 12

    • Cook the curry until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Once cooked turn off the heat. Stir in the toasted cashew nuts to warm them through.
    Easy chicken cashew curry served on a bed of basmati rice and garnished with chopped coriander. Fork to the side.

    Step 13

    • Serve garnished with the fresh coriander on a bed of basmati or jasmine rice.

    Substitutions

    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
    • Fat Free Yogurt - you could use ordinary yogurt but that will alter the nutrition label.
    • Cardamom Pods
    • Cumin
    • Coriander
    • Turmeric
    • Chilli Powder
    • Cloves
    • Unsalted Cashew Nuts
    • Vegetable Oil - I prefer vegetable oil for curries as olive oil can taint the taste.
    • Onions
    • Garlic And Ginger Paste - I use shop bought ginger and garlic paste to save time chopping. You could always use 2 crushed garlic cloves and a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger instead though.
    • Corn Flour - you could also use plain flour.
    • Cold Water
    • Caster Sugar
    • Freshly Ground Salt And Black Pepper
    • Freshly Chopped Coriander (optional for garnish)

    Equipment

    For This Chicken Cashew Curry Recipe You May Need….

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product, I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through, then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    This is the set of pans I recommend for cooking with.

    The set includes 16, 18, 20 cm saucepans, 1 x 14 cm milk pan and 1 x 24 cm fry pan.

    The pans are suitable for all hobs including induction.

    They come with a 1-year guarantee which can be extended to a 10-year warranty when you register the product.

    Subscribe to Neil's Healthy Meals

    Don't miss future updates and new recipes. Make sure you’re subscribed to Neil’s Healthy Meals.

    Subscribe here to add your email to the subscription list.

    And you can follow me too via your favourite social channels :-

    Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin & YouTube.

    *I do not use your email for anything else other than adding you to my blog subscription list which you can opt out of at any time.

    FAQ's

    How To Store Chicken Cashew Curry?

    The cashew curry can be stored in the fridge for 2 - 3 days maximum.

    Can I Freeze Cashew Chicken Curry?

    Yes the curry can be transferred to an airtight container and frozen.

    How To Reheat This Curry?

    Allow curry to thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    More Chicken Curry Recipes For You To Try

    Chicken Curry in a Hurry
    This chicken curry is packed full of taste with plenty of healthy protein and its low in calories too. It can be on the table in less than one hour and serves four.
    Check out this recipe
    This chicken curry in a hurry is quick, delicious and packed full of taste. On the table in under an hour it serves up to four. With plenty of healthy protein, it's low in calories too. It certainly beats those unhealthy pre-packed curries with ingredients lists as long as your arm!
    Easy Thai Green Chicken Curry
    Easy Thai green chicken curry. Packed with flavour and perfect as a simple midweek meal this delicious family dinner is sure to satisfy everyone!
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of easy thai green chicken curry served with basmati rice and a fork to the side. Pan of cooked curry in the background.
    Green Chilli Chicken Curry
    Rich tasting, spicy and with deep flavours this green chilli chicken curry is one lean mean spicy dish. 
    Check out this recipe
    Rich tasting, spicy and with deep flavours this green chilli chicken curry is one lean mean spicy dish. You decide on the spiciness by choosing to either leave the seeds in the chillies or not!
    Overhead view of a plate of easy chicken cashew curry served on basmati rice garnished with chopped coriander. Fork to the side. Above a bowl of rice and rest of curry in a saucepan.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 9 votes

    📋 Easy Chicken Cashew Curry Recipe

    Easy chicken cashew curry is a delicious creamy and rich tasting curry. It's a mildly spiced family dinner. Great with rice or naan bread!
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time50 mins
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 354kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Saucepans
    • Pestle and mortar
    • Food processor
    • Kitchen scale
    • Measuring spoons
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives
    • Wooden spoon
    • Measuring jug

    Ingredients

    • 700 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 tablespoon fat free yogurt
    • 12 whole cardamom pods
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon chilli powder
    • 4 pinched off ends for whole cloves not the stalk
    • 60 g unsalted cashew nuts
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 2 large onions diced
    • 2 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
    • 1 tablespoon corn flour mixed with 2 tbsp. cold water
    • 300 ml cold water
    • 1½ teaspoon caster sugar
    • 1 tablespoon fat free yogurt
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper
    • 2 tablespoon freshly chopped coriander
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • Cut the chicken into bite size chunks and marinate in the fridge coated in the yogurt for at least 1 – 4 hours.
    • In a pestle and mortar crush the cardamom pods and remove their skins, just leaving the crushed seeds. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder and clove ends to the cardamom seeds.
    • Dry fry the cashew nuts in a frying pan until golden brown but not burnt.
    • Gently heat the oil in a medium sized saucepan. Add the onions and the garlic and ginger paste. Sauté for about 3 minutes.
    • Stir in the spices from the pestle and mortar. Cook, stirring for 30 seconds.
    • Add the corn flour mixture and stir for about 30 seconds. Then add the cold water and mix, stirring together well.
    • Bring the mixture to the boil, turn the heat down to simmer for 10 minutes stirring from time to time. Then remove saucepan from the heat.
    • Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle blitz it in a food processor / blender until it is of a sauce consistency.
    • Pour the sauce back into the pan, bring it up to a simmer again and stir in the sugar and tablespoon of yogurt.
    • Season to taste with the salt and pepper. Add extra sugar if necessary.
    • Add the marinated chicken and mix thoroughly into the sauce.
    • Cook the curry for 15 – 20 minutes checking to see if the chicken is thoroughly cooked through by cutting one of the pieces in half. Once cooked turn off the heat. Stir in the toasted cashew nuts to warm them through.
    • Serve garnished with the fresh coriander on a bed of basmati rice.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Nutrition

    Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 235mg | Potassium: 1002mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 4mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    📋 Easy Chicken Cashew Curry
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 354 Calories from Fat 108
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 12g18%
    Saturated Fat 2g13%
    Trans Fat 0.02g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Cholesterol 112mg37%
    Sodium 235mg10%
    Potassium 1002mg29%
    Carbohydrates 18g6%
    Fiber 4g17%
    Sugar 4g4%
    Protein 42g84%
    Vitamin A 177IU4%
    Vitamin C 11mg13%
    Calcium 105mg11%
    Iron 4mg22%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made this easy chicken cashew curry recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

    Related

    « Oven Baked Vegetable Frittata
    Low Carb Roasted Cauliflower Soup »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. angiesrecipes

      November 17, 2022 at 4:13 am

      5 stars
      Love all sorts of different curry. Yours looks so warming and delicious with cashews.
      angiesrecipes

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 17, 2022 at 5:31 am

        I thought you would be a curry lover too Angie. 🙂 Thank you!

        Reply
    2. cheryl watson

      November 17, 2022 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      Im definately going to try this, looks scrummy for a saturday night treat. No more ready meals, i love this lind of curry, more nuts the better! Yom.
      Is it ok to point people to this recipe link on my you tube channel?

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 17, 2022 at 4:31 pm

        Once you've made the sauce in this recipe Cheryl, you'll be making it always. I love it. It's my go to sauce for creamy curries. Without the cream! Of course it's fine to point people to this recipe on your youtube channel. Thank you for that!

        Reply
    3. Charlie DeSando

      November 17, 2022 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      Neil, this is one of my favorites, because of the taste and differences in texture

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 18, 2022 at 6:06 am

        Yeah that's why I like this so much too Charlie. The contrast of the taste and texture. It's delicious. Thank you!

        Reply
    4. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      November 17, 2022 at 11:47 pm

      5 stars
      I might not be a huge curry fan, but I happen to LOVE cashews, so this addition makes a huge difference. Indeed, I don't think I've ever had cashews in curry, and it seems I'm missing out a lot! This looks so hearty and tasty!

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 18, 2022 at 6:08 am

        Thanks Ben, the added cashews just make a nice difference to what otherwise would just be a really tasty chicken curry. They take this recipe to the next level. In my humble opinion! 😉

        Reply
    5. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

      November 19, 2022 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      I do love cashew curry! And if it can be delicious, but with fewer calories, I'm all for it. Thanks for the recipe, Neil!

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 19, 2022 at 2:47 pm

        I think I've got you covered here Jeff! Thanks!

        Reply
    6. Michelle

      November 20, 2022 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      I've got to try out cashew curry -- looks so creamy and delicious!! Perfect comfort food!

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 21, 2022 at 5:21 am

        Great comfort food and really creamy too Michelle. But without the calories. You'll love it!

        Reply
    7. 2pots2cook

      November 20, 2022 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      We both love curry and it's always great to make it for four so we have the leftovers next day. So budget friendly and time saving! Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 21, 2022 at 5:23 am

        You're welcome! Hope you get a chance to make and enjoy this curry. 🙂

        Reply
    8. David @ Spiced

      November 21, 2022 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      Now you've got me craving cashew chicken, Neil! This looks fantastic...maybe for a weeknight meal sometime soon?

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 21, 2022 at 1:18 pm

        Thanks David. Yep, it's perfect for a weeknight meal. Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    9. Raymund | angsarap.net

      November 28, 2022 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      My kind of meal, curry on top of rice, this looks so good

      Reply
      • Neil

        November 29, 2022 at 5:40 am

        Thanks Raymund. It's a lovely curry to top on rice. Hope you get a chance to make it! 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello there! I’m Neil. Since 2014 Neil's Healthy Meals has been providing delicious quick healthy recipes and fabulous cheesecakes based on the 80/20 rule for eating. Helping you live a diet free lifestyle. One where you can still enjoy cake! Learn more here

    Popular Recipes

    • Birds eye view of 2 bowls of Scottish lentil soup with spoons in.
      Easy Scottish Lentil Soup
    • Easy homemade quorn lasagne cooked and displayed on a table ready to be cut and served.
      Easy Homemade Quorn Lasagne
    • Birds eye view of a pan of cooked low fat garlic mushroom pasta garnished with chopped parsley. Bowl of garlic bread at the top.
      Low Fat Garlic Mushroom Pasta
    • Slow cooker vegetarian chilli in slow cooker. Dishes of rice and coriander at the top.
      Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chilli

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Neil's Healthy Meals

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    COPYRIGHT © 2023 NEILSHEALTHYMEALS.COM - PRIVACY POLICY - DISCLAIMER

    7 shares