Bowl of Keto Kung Pao Chicken with colorful vegetables and peanuts

Keto Kung Pao Chicken

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Why make this recipe

Keto Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious twist on a favorite Chinese dish, perfect for those on a low-carb diet. This meal is not only packed with flavors but also keeps your carb intake low while being high in protein. It’s quick to prepare and can be made with simple ingredients you may already have at home. Plus, with the option to use pre-diced chicken or rotisserie chicken, you can whip it up in no time!

How to make Keto Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced (Use pre-diced chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (Can use a mix of colors for variety.)
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced (Feel free to substitute with other low-carb vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for keto) (Coconut aminos is a gluten-free option.)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (Can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil if preferred.)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste (optional) (Adjust based on your spice preference.)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
  • Chopped peanuts for garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and sliced zucchini. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Pour in the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, and chili paste (if using). Stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to serve Keto Kung Pao Chicken

Serve your Keto Kung Pao Chicken hot, topped with chopped green onions and peanuts for extra crunch. It pairs well with cauliflower rice or can be enjoyed on its own for a hearty, low-carb meal.

How to store Keto Kung Pao Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or stir on the stove until warm.

Tips to make Keto Kung Pao Chicken

  • For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • If you like more heat, add additional chili paste or even chili flakes.
  • Experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing chicken with tofu. Just make sure to use firm tofu to get a good texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option. Just be sure to thaw and drain them so they don’t add extra moisture to the dish.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, this dish can be made gluten-free.

Can I prep this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just chop your vegetables and chicken, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Keto Kung Pao Chicken

A delicious low-carb twist on the classic Kung Pao Chicken, quick to prepare and packed with protein.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced Use pre-diced chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped Can use a mix of colors for variety.
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced Feel free to substitute with other low-carb vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos for keto; coconut aminos is a gluten-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil Can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste optional; adjust based on your spice preference.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
  • Chopped peanuts for garnish

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and sliced zucchini. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Pour in the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, and chili paste (if using). Stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve hot, topped with chopped green onions and peanuts. Pairs well with cauliflower rice or can be enjoyed on its own for a hearty, low-carb meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

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