Xacuti-Spiced Chicken with Almonds and Cashews

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-17 · Updated 2026-04-17

Chicken pieces slow-cooked in a nutty, aromatic Xacuti sauce with a blend of spices and toasted nuts, a hallmark of Goan cuisine. This Indian recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, coconut oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs, boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 large, finely chopped onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 inch, minced ginger
• 2, finely chopped green chili
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 cup ground almonds
• 1/4 cup ground cashews
• 1 cup coconut milk
• to taste salt
• 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and cook until they pop, about 1 minute.
2. Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch minced ginger, and 2 chopped green chilies; sauté until onion is golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup ground almonds, 1/4 cup ground cashews, and 1 cup coconut milk; bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Season with salt to taste. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.