Okay, listen up! You know when you’re craving that amazing sesame chicken from your favorite Chinese place, but you’re trying to stick to keto? Yeah, me too! That’s why I went CRAZY trying to perfect this recipe for Easy Keto Sesame Chicken. And trust me, it’s even better than takeout – and way healthier!
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you’re starving and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. We’re talking restaurant-quality flavor in, like, 25 minutes flat! No joke. I remember one night, I was *this* close to ordering pizza, but then I remembered this recipe. Best. Decision. Ever. It’s become a total staple in our house, and I know you’re gonna love it too. Get ready for some serious sesame chicken goodness – without the carb guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Keto Sesame Chicken
Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is a total winner! It’s got everything you could want in a weeknight dinner – and it’s totally guilt-free. Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed:
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Delicious Flavor: Better than takeout, I swear!
- Keto-Friendly: Keeps you on track with your low-carb goals.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will gobble it up.
- Easy Cleanup: One pan – that’s it!
Quick and Easy
Okay, let’s be real – weeknights are hectic! This recipe is seriously FAST. From chopping the chicken to plating it up, you’re looking at maybe 25 minutes, tops. That’s faster than waiting for delivery! And honestly, on those nights when I’m juggling work, kids, and everything else, that time savings is a HUGE deal. Trust me, this is a lifesaver.
Packed with Flavor
Don’t let the “keto” part fool you – this chicken is bursting with flavor! The sesame oil gives it that amazing nutty taste, and the soy sauce (or coconut aminos!) adds a savory depth that’s just irresistible. It’s that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and a little bit tangy that keeps you coming back for more. My favorite part is the toasted sesame seeds – they add such a nice crunch!
Perfect for Keto
Sticking to keto can be tough, especially when you’re craving comfort food. But this recipe makes it SO easy! It’s super low in carbs, so you can enjoy it without any guilt. Plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s like a keto miracle! I love knowing I can have something this delicious and still stay on track with my goals.
Ingredients for Easy Keto Sesame Chicken
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need a few basics to whip up this Easy Keto Sesame Chicken, but trust me, it’s all stuff you can easily find. Here’s the rundown:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (I swear, thighs are juicier!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo – either works great!)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (this is KEY for that sesame flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (adds a little tang!)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because everything’s better with garlic, right?)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I like a little kick!)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (don’t skip these – they add so much!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking up the chicken)
Make sure you’ve got everything prepped and ready to go – it makes the whole cooking process so much smoother!
How to Make Easy Keto Sesame Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get cooking! This Easy Keto Sesame Chicken comes together super quickly, so make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Are you ready? Let’s do this!
- First, in a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos!), sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them – I highly recommend!).
- Next, add the chicken to the marinade and toss it all around so it’s nicely coated. Get in there and make sure every piece is covered! This is important for maximum flavor.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. I usually let it go for about 30 minutes if I have the time – the longer, the better! You can even pop it in the fridge for up to an hour if you want to prep it ahead of time.
- Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before you add the chicken.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook it in batches if you need to!
- Finally, stir in the sesame seeds and cook for another minute, until they’re toasted and fragrant. Mmm, the smell is amazing! Careful not to burn them!
- Serve it up hot and enjoy your delicious Easy Keto Sesame Chicken!
Marinating the Chicken
Seriously, don’t skip the marinating step! It’s what gives the chicken SO much flavor. I usually aim for at least 15 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it sit for an hour in the fridge is even better. Just make sure the chicken is completely coated in the marinade – you want every little piece to soak up all that goodness!
Cooking the Easy Keto Sesame Chicken
When it comes to cooking the chicken, medium-high heat is key! You want to get a nice sear on the outside without drying it out. And remember, don’t overcrowd the pan! If you try to cram too much chicken in at once, it’ll steam instead of brown. Cook it in batches if you need to, and make sure it’s cooked all the way through – nobody wants undercooked chicken! I usually cook it for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s nice and golden brown.
Adding Sesame Seeds
Okay, this is the final flourish! Adding the sesame seeds at the end not only looks pretty but also gives them a chance to toast up a little, which brings out their nutty flavor. Just toss them in the skillet with the chicken for about a minute, stirring constantly, until they’re lightly golden and smell amazing. Trust me, this step makes all the difference!
Tips for the Best Easy Keto Sesame Chicken
Want to take your Easy Keto Sesame Chicken to the next level? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way! First off, fresh ginger and garlic REALLY make a difference – trust me! Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Like it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes! And to keep the chicken super juicy, don’t overcook it! Nobody likes dry chicken!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Keto Sesame Chicken
Alright, you’ve got this amazing Easy Keto Sesame Chicken ready to go – now what? My go-to is definitely cauliflower rice – it soaks up all that delicious sauce perfectly! Steamed broccoli is another great option, or you could try some roasted asparagus. Honestly, anything low-carb works great!
FAQ About Easy Keto Sesame Chicken
Got questions about this amazing Easy Keto Sesame Chicken? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about this recipe:
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for Easy Keto Sesame Chicken?
Okay, so you *can* use chicken breast, but honestly, I really recommend sticking with chicken thighs. Thighs are just so much juicier and more flavorful, and they don’t dry out as easily as chicken breast can. If you do use breast, just be super careful not to overcook it!
Can I make Easy Keto Sesame Chicken ahead of time?
Yep, absolutely! This Easy Keto Sesame Chicken is great for meal prepping. Just cook it up, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. It’s just as delicious the next day!
What can I substitute for soy sauce in Easy Keto Sesame Chicken?
If you’re avoiding soy, no problem! My favorite substitute is coconut aminos. It has a similar flavor to soy sauce, but it’s soy-free and paleo-friendly. You can find it at most grocery stores or online. It works perfectly in this recipe – you won’t even notice the difference!
Storing and Reheating Easy Keto Sesame Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Easy Keto Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, just pop it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until warmed through. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Easy Keto Sesame Chicken
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and the nutrition info below is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with your portions (oops!). So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?
Enjoyed This Easy Keto Sesame Chicken Recipe?
If you loved this Easy Keto Sesame Chicken as much as I do, please leave a comment and rate the recipe! And don’t forget to share your amazing creations on social media – I can’t wait to see them!
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Easy Keto Sesame Chicken: Insanely Delicious in 25 Mins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Keto
Description
Quick and easy keto sesame chicken recipe.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in sesame seeds and cook for another minute, until toasted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed broccoli.
- For a thicker sauce, whisk 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum into the marinade before adding the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
