Crispy, Flavorful & Low-Carb
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cost per Serving: $3.50
- Calories per Serving: ~350 cal
There are nights when I barely have time to think about dinner, let alone cook something complicated. Thatâs when I reach for this Keto Sesame Chickenâquick, simple, and packed with flavor. Itâs the kind of meal that comes together in one pan, in under 30 minutes, with ingredients I always have on hand.
I first started making this recipe when I was craving takeout but didnât want the sugar-laden sauces and deep-fried breading. After a little trial and error, I found the perfect combinationâcrispy pan-fried chicken, a rich sesame sauce, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. No cornstarch, no sugar, no unnecessary fillersâjust clean, simple ingredients that make a dish that tastes just as good as the restaurant version.
Whether itâs a busy weeknight or I just want something comforting without the carbs, this sesame chicken is a go-to. Serve it over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli, and dinner is done.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Sesame ChickenÂ
Crispy Chicken, Just Like Takeout
That golden, crunchy coating? Itâs all about the right technique. A quick dip in beaten egg, a light dusting of almond flour, and a hot pan give you a crispy bite without deep frying. If youâve been missing sesame chicken on keto, this version brings it backâwithout the carbs.
The Sauce Is Everything
A great sesame chicken needs a thick, glossy sauce that clings to every piece. Here, coconut aminos bring the umami, a touch of sweetener balances the flavors, and a sprinkle of sesame oil gives it that signature richness. Let it simmer just long enough to thicken, then toss in the chicken right before serving.
Fast, Simple, and Made in One Pan
This dish comes together in about the same time it would take to wait for delivery. No complicated steps, no long marinatingâjust quick, straightforward cooking with ingredients you probably already have.
Customizable to Fit Your Taste
Want extra crunch? Try crushed pork rinds instead of almond flour. Prefer a little heat? Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes. Like it extra saucy? Double the sauce and save some for drizzling over cauliflower rice. This recipe is easy to tweak so itâs exactly how you like it.
Keto-Friendly Without Sacrificing Flavor
Many low-carb versions of sesame chicken lose something in the swapâbut not this one. The sauce is just as rich, the chicken just as crispy, and every bite is packed with flavor. No sugar, no starchâjust everything you love about the original, in a keto-friendly version.
Ingredients needed:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Thighs give a juicier bite, while breasts stay lean and firm. If you like a mix of both, go for itâjust cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Almond Flour: A light coating of almond flour helps create a crispy, golden crust without the carbs. For an even crunchier texture, crushed pork rinds make an excellent alternative.
Egg: Beating an egg creates the perfect binder for the coating, ensuring every piece of chicken gets a crisp, even layer.
Coconut Aminos: This soy sauce alternative keeps the dish gluten-free and adds a deep umami flavor. If you donât have coconut aminos, low-sodium soy sauce works tooâjust be mindful that itâs a little saltier.
Sesame Oil: A few drops of toasted sesame oil add an unmistakable depth and richness to the sauce. Skip it, and youâll lose that signature sesame flavor.
Sweetener: A touch of erythritol or monk fruit gives the sauce its classic sweet-salty balance without the sugar. Adjust the amount based on how sweet you like your sesame chicken.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar brings just the right acidity to balance the sweetness and richness of the sauce. Rice vinegar works too, offering a slightly milder tang.
Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger are key to that takeout-style depth of flavor. Pre-minced versions can work in a pinch, but nothing beats fresh.
Xanthan Gum: This helps thicken the sauce without adding carbs. If you donât have xanthan gum, simply reduce the sauce a little longer until it thickens naturally.
Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions add the final touchâcrunch, color, and a little extra flavor.
The exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to make this Keto Sesame Chicken
1. Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat. Crack an egg into a shallow bowl and whisk until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off, then toss it in the almond flour mixture until evenly coated. Set the coated pieces aside on a plate while you heat the oil.
3. Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about three to four minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. If the pan gets too crowded, work in batches to keep the chicken crispy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add coconut aminos, sesame oil, vinegar, sweetener, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about two minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle xanthan gum over the sauce while whisking continuously to prevent clumping. Let the sauce simmer for another two minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss until each piece is evenly coated in the thickened sauce. Let it cook for another one to two minutes, allowing the flavors to fully absorb.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve immediately with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Keto Sesame Chicken Recipe Tips
For Extra Crispy Chicken
A light coating is key. Press the almond flour firmly onto the chicken to help it stick, but donât overdo itâtoo much coating can make the texture soggy. If you want an even crispier bite, swap the almond flour for crushed pork rinds.
Donât Crowd the Pan
Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, making the chicken steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if needed, giving each piece enough space to brown properly.
Get the Sauce Just Right
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not overly sticky. If itâs too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger
Pre-minced garlic and bottled ginger work in a pinch, but fresh makes all the difference. Grate the ginger finely and mince the garlic right before adding them to the sauce for the best flavor.
Serve Immediately
Keto sesame chicken is at its best when served fresh. If it sits too long, the coating can start to soften. For the crispiest results, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers keep well for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a pan over medium-low heat to keep the chicken crispy. Avoid microwavingâit can make the coating soggy. If you need to reheat in the microwave, do it in short intervals and finish in a pan for a bit of crisp.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as wellâjust be careful not to overcook them so they stay juicy.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: Itâs mild as-is, but feel free to add red pepper flakes if youâd like a bit of heat.
Q: Can I make the sauce thicker?
A: Yes, you can add a little more xanthan gum (just a pinch) or let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired thickness.
My Products recomandations
Please note that the links below are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, Iâll earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting my blog!
- Sesame Oil: Shop on Amazon
- Xanthan Gum: Find it here
- Soy Sauce (Gluten-Free):Â Available here
Keto Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Keto Sesame Chicken is crispy, coated in a rich sesame sauce, and packed with bold flavorsâall without the carbs. Made in under 30 minutes, this one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a low-carb, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large egg, beaten
½ cup almond flour (or crushed pork rinds for extra crispiness)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp avocado oil (or coconut oil for frying)
For the Low-Carb Sesame Sauce:
Âź cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
2 tbsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp xanthan gum (or ½ tsp arrowroot powder for a slightly higher-carb option)
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
1-Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, mix the almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2-Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then dredge in the almond flour mixture. Shake off any excess coating.
3-Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4-Make the Sauce
Lower the heat and add the coconut aminos, sesame oil, vinegar, sweetener, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
5-Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the xanthan gum over the sauce while whisking continuously. Simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6-Coat the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6-Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crunch, swap almond flour with crushed pork rinds.
- To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the sauce.
- If you donât have xanthan gum, let the sauce reduce naturally to thicken.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a pan to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main feast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: keto sesame chicken, low-carb sesame chicken, crispy keto chicken, easy keto dinner, sugar-free sesame chicken, Asian keto recipes
Some recipes are fun to make once, and then there are the ones you keep coming back toâthis Keto Sesame Chicken is definitely one of them. Itâs fast, packed with flavor, and gives you that takeout-style satisfaction without the carbs. Whether youâre making it for a quick weeknight dinner or just craving something crispy and saucy, this recipe delivers every time.
Now itâs your turn. Try it out, and let me know what you think. Did you go for the almond flour coating or switch it up with crushed pork rinds? Did you add a little extra spice? Share your version in the comments or tag @BoldBitesHub on social mediaâIâd love to see how it turned out! And if you loved it, pass the recipe along to someone else who needs an easy, delicious keto dinner.
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