This recipe for low carb sesame chicken will squash your cravings for Chinese take-out and you'll love how easy and quick it is to make!
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Chinese food is my absolute favorite. Let's be clear, I am not talking about actual Chinese food, I am talking about the cheap, Americanized Chinese food. It's my junk food of choice and probably the food I have missed the most since I transitioned to a keto diet.
I have recreated a few of my old favorites like Chicken and Broccoli and Moo Goo Gai Pan. But, the sweet and sticky sesame chicken had illuded me.
Up until now, that is 🙂
How to make Low Carb Sesame Chicken
In a traditional sesame chicken dish, the chicken is fried in a tempura-style batter, saturated in a sweet sauce, then heavily sprinkled with sesame seeds.
I opted not to fry the chicken in this keto-friendly version. After testing the recipe both ways, I honestly didn't think that the extra time and effort was worth it. The flavor is so good even without battering and frying the chicken that I felt it wasn't needed.
This makes the recipe considerably easier which is a huge bonus. Simply cook the sliced chicken breast (or thighs), add the ingredients for the sauce, then let it all simmer down. One pan, and about 30 minutes and it's done!
Tips and Ingredient Substitutions:
- You can use boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs. Whichever you choose, I recommend slicing them as thinly as possible. This not only speeds up the cooking process but it also ensures that every bite will be packed with flavor from the sauce.
- The easiest way to slice the chicken thinly is to do so when the chicken is still a bit frozen.
- You can substitute garlic powder and ground ginger for the fresh, but be sure to adjust the amount as the dried spices are usually more potent than fresh.
- Xanthan gum in this recipe is a substitute for the traditional cornstarch which thickens the sauce. A little goes a long way and too much can make your sauce slimy so be sure to add only the amount called for in the recipe.
- I always serve this sesame chicken with cauliflower fried rice. It's the perfect combo!
Be sure to check out these other great recipes:
📖 Recipe
Keto Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or thighs
- 5 cloves Minced Garlic
- 2 tablespoon Ginger Paste or grated ginger
- 2 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup Brown Sugar Substitute
- ½ cup Soy Sauce or soy sauce alternative
- ¼ cup Sesame Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Xanthan Gum optional
- 2 tablespoon Avocado Oil or other cooking oil
- 3 tablespoon Sesame Seeds divided
- 4 Green Onions Sliced, optional
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breast (or thighs) into thin strips and set aside.
- In a small bowl combine the garlic, ginger, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar substitute, soy sauce, sesame oil and, xanthan gum. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Next, stir in the garlic mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about ½.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoon of the sesame seeds.
- Serve topped with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.
The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.
Nutrition
Katie says
Oh my gosh, I saw this on instagram today and had to make it tonight.... IT IS SO GOOD!!! It 10000% tastes like restaurant Chinese, and totally satisfied the craving!!! Definitely going to make this a regular meal!!! Thank you for posting!!
Sabra says
Thanks so much for the awesome review Katie! Glad you liked it 🙂
Ami says
Super good thank you!