Low Carb Sesame Chicken

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If you’re a fan of takeout-style Chinese food but want to stay on track with your low-carb or keto lifestyle, this Low Carb Sesame Chicken is a game changer. Gone are the days of greasy, carb-heavy sesame chicken. This recipe offers all the same savory and slightly sweet flavors you love but in a healthy, low-carb package that fits perfectly into your keto or low-carb diet. By using almond flour to coat the chicken and substituting sugar with erythritol or another sugar alternative, you can enjoy this crispy, flavorful dish without the guilt.

Sesame chicken is a popular dish that’s known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and sometimes a bit of sugar. However, traditional sesame chicken is packed with carbs from the breading and sugary sauce. With this recipe, we’ve managed to keep the same great flavor and texture but without the carbs, making it a great option for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a delicious homemade version of sesame chicken that’s just as crispy and flavorful as what you’d get at a Chinese restaurant. Thanks to the air fryer or stovetop method, you can get perfectly cooked chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without the need for deep frying. This makes it a healthier option while still satisfying your cravings.

One of the challenges of making low-carb Chinese food is creating the right texture. The crispy coating on sesame chicken is what makes it so irresistible, and almond flour is a fantastic substitute for traditional flour, giving you that same crispness without all the carbs. The coating is made from a blend of almond flour and parmesan cheese, which not only helps create a golden, crispy exterior but also adds a deliciously savory flavor that complements the sweet and tangy sauce.

If you’re someone who enjoys a little heat with your food, you can easily modify this recipe to suit your tastes. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce will give it a nice kick, and if you love a little spice, you can drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish. This sesame chicken is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to meet your flavor preferences.

The sesame sauce itself is made with a combination of coconut aminos (or soy sauce), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of erythritol for sweetness. This simple yet flavorful sauce brings everything together, coating the crispy chicken pieces in a glossy, savory-sweet layer that’s absolutely irresistible. You can even double the sauce if you prefer your chicken extra saucy – it’s perfect for spooning over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.

This Low Carb Sesame Chicken is also great for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors only get better over time. Just reheat the chicken in the air fryer or on the stovetop to get it crispy again. It’s a fantastic option for quick, healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is how light it feels. Unlike traditional sesame chicken, which can leave you feeling sluggish and heavy, this low-carb version is filling but not overly heavy. The crispy chicken is high in protein, and the sesame sauce adds flavor without adding unnecessary sugar or carbs. This makes it an ideal option for anyone trying to stay on track with their keto diet while still enjoying delicious, satisfying meals.

Another great thing about this dish is how customizable it is. If you’re looking to switch things up, you can easily add some vegetables to the mix, such as sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier bite. The recipe is easy to tweak based on your preferences, and it’s hard to go wrong with the combination of crispy chicken and rich sesame sauce.

If you’re new to the keto or low-carb diet, this recipe is a great way to introduce yourself to the flavors of Chinese food without the carbs. Many people miss their favorite takeout dishes when they switch to a low-carb lifestyle, but with this Low Carb Sesame Chicken, you won’t have to. It’s just as satisfying and flavorful as the classic dish, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make at home.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even serving at a dinner party, this Low Carb Sesame Chicken is sure to impress. The crispy chicken and savory-sweet sauce are a crowd-pleaser, and no one will even notice it’s low-carb. This dish is ideal for those who want to enjoy the flavors of Chinese food without the guilt or carbs.

Servings: 4 servings

Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg (beaten)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp erythritol or preferred sugar substitute

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

• Cooking spray (for air fryer)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix together the almond flour and parmesan cheese. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it with the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.

3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spraying lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the chicken in a little oil until crispy and cooked through.

4. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, heat the sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and erythritol, and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the prepared sauce until well coated. If you want extra crispiness, you can place the chicken back in the air fryer for another 2 minutes.

6. Serve: Garnish the sesame chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a complete low-carb meal.

Tips:

• Be sure to use a non-stick spray in the air fryer to prevent the chicken from sticking.

• If you don’t have coconut aminos, soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though coconut aminos is slightly sweeter and has fewer carbs.

• For a slightly spicier version, add a bit of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Leftover sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or on the stovetop for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Low Carb Sesame Chicken is a guilt-free way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite Chinese dish without the extra carbs. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, and the sesame sauce is the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic. The air fryer makes the chicken crispy without needing to deep fry, and it’s an easy recipe that’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly!

Summary: Low Carb Sesame Chicken is an easy and delicious alternative to traditional sesame chicken, providing all the flavor you crave without the carbs. With crispy chicken coated in a savory sesame sauce, this dish is perfect for keto and low-carb diets. Quick to make in 30 minutes, it’s an ideal dinner for busy nights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors while staying on track with your healthy lifestyle.