This sesame chicken is a fast and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender pieces of chicken are cooked in a skillet and coated in a flavorful sesame sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet, making it a great alternative to takeout at home.
This recipe works well for busy nights and can be made on its own or paired with vegetables like broccoli to create a simple, well-rounded meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients Needed to Make Keto Sesame Chicken
Boneless skinless chicken breast – A lean protein base that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor.
Xanthan gum – Helps create a light coating and slightly thickens the sauce.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
Soy sauce or coconut aminos – Adds deep umami flavor and forms the base of the sauce.
Brown sugar substitute – Adds sweetness similar to traditional sesame chicken.
Rice cooking wine – Adds depth and balance to the sauce.
Ginger paste – Brings warmth and subtle spice to the dish.
Minced garlic – Adds savory richness and aroma.
Sesame oil – Offers a nutty, toasty flavor essential to sesame chicken.
Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken and keeping it from sticking.
Broccoli (optional) – Adds color and crunch and turns the dish into a complete meal.
Sesame seeds and green onions – Used for garnish and a final touch of texture and freshness.
How to Make Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, we need to get the chicken ready. After you’ve cut the breasts into bite-sized pieces, season them with salt and pepper.
Then, place them in a gallon sized Ziploc bag.
And sprinkle half a tablespoon of xanthan gum over the chicken pieces.
Seal the bag and shake vigorously to coat the chicken pieces with xanthan gum.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, we need to brown the chicken. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil plus one teaspoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. You’ll need a good sear on each piece so be careful not to overcrowd the chicken. Cook it in two batches, if necessary.
Step 3: Prepare Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), brown sugar substitute, rice wine, ginger paste, minced garlic, and the remaining teaspoon of sesame oil.
Whisk the sauce ingredients together to combine.
Step 4: Prepare Broccoli (Optional)
If you would like to make this dish an all-in-one meal, you can add broccoli. Blanch the broccoli for two to three minutes in boiling water.
After blanching, drain the water and add the broccoli to the skillet with the chicken.
Step 5: Add Sauce
Finally, it’s time to add the sauce to the skillet.
Stir to combine and cook for an additional one or two minutes to make sure the chicken (and broccoli, if you added it) are coated and the sauce is warmed through.
Sprinkle on some sesame seeds for added flavor and as a garnish.
Keto Sesame Chicken Recipe
Looking for a low-carb takeout alternative? This keto sesame chicken recipe is crispy, flavorful, and easy to make at home. Coated in a sweet and savory sauce with just the right amount of crunch, it's a great dinner option for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. Boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tbsp. Xanthan gum
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp. Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp. Swerve brown sugar substitute
- 1 tsp. Rice cooking wine
- 2 tsp. Ginger paste
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- 2 tsp. Sesame oil, divided
- 1 tbsp. Olive oil
- Broccoli (optional)
- Sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a Ziploc bag. Add xanthan gum, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil and part of the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a good sear. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, mix soy sauce (or coconut aminos), Swerve brown sugar substitute, rice cooking wine, ginger paste, minced garlic, and the remaining sesame oil in a small bowl. Stir well.
- If using broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet with the chicken.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Xanthan gum helps the chicken get crispy without traditional flour or cornstarch. Don’t skip it for that classic texture.
- Cut the chicken evenly to ensure all pieces cook at the same rate.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet so the chicken can sear properly and not steam. Cook in batches if needed.
- Coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce for a soy-free or paleo-friendly version.
- Blanching broccoli is optional, but it adds color and extra nutrition to the dish.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 141Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 32mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 6g
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