This keto sesame chicken is one of my favorite easy chicken breast dinners when I want something fast, high protein, and family friendly. The sauce is sweet, savory, and tastes like takeout, but this version is made with simple low carb ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes.
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Why You'll Love this Keto Sesame Chicken Recipe
This keto sesame chicken is an easy chicken breast dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but still homemade. The sauce is sweet, savory, and tastes just like takeout without all of the extra sugar and carbs.
I also love that this is one of those easy keto chicken recipes that doesn't feel boring. It's high protein, low carb, and made with simple ingredients I usually already have in my kitchen. It reheats really well for meal prep lunches throughout the week, too.
Another reason this recipe works so well for my family is how easy it is to serve different ways. I usually make cauliflower rice for myself and regular rice for my family so everyone can eat the same dinner without me having to cook separate meals. It's a healthier way to satisfy Chinese takeout cravings while still feeling comforting and family friendly.
If you're looking for more chicken dinner ideas, check out my full collection of low carb chicken recipes for easy, family-friendly meals.
Ingredients You'll Need
Chicken breast works really well in this keto sesame chicken because it cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce. I like using boneless skinless chicken breast for an easy high protein dinner, but chicken thighs also work great if you want a richer flavor.
Chicken breast: I like using boneless skinless chicken breast for this recipe because it cooks quickly and makes an easy high protein dinner. Chicken thighs or chicken tenders also work well.
Soy sauce: Regular soy sauce gives the sauce plenty of flavor without needing extra salt. Use tamari if you need this recipe to be gluten free.
Ketchup: I use no sugar added ketchup to keep the carbs low while still giving the sauce that classic sweet and tangy sesame chicken flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works great for busy weeknights.
Brown sugar sweetener: A keto brown sugar sweetener keeps the sauce sweet without adding sugar. I usually use Swerve brown sugar sweetener.
Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds the classic sesame chicken flavor and a little goes a long way. I don't recommend skipping it if possible.
How to Make Keto Sesame Chicken
This section explains how to make this low carb chicken recipe step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1. - Cut the chicken into but size chunks. I like to buy boneless skinless chicken breasts whole and then use a sharp knife to cut them into 1 inch pieces for faster cooking.
Step 2. - Make the sauce. All of the rest of the ingredients in this low carb chicken recipe are for the sauce. Mix them all together in a small bowl.
Step 3. - Cook the chicken breast. I use a non-stick skillet for this recipe since we are cooking with chicken breast and no additional oil. If you use a large skillet that isn't non-stick, you can use spray oil or add a tablespoon of oil to the pan before adding the chicken. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked all of the way through.
Tip: Use a probe meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of your chicken breast is 165F.
Step 4. - Add the sauce to the pan. Now we stir the sauce into the pan with our chicken breast and coat the chicken with the sauce. Let it simmer for a bit and it is done!
Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken
Cut evenly: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. Smaller bite-sized chunks also help the sauce coat every piece of chicken better.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Giving the chicken enough space helps it brown instead of steam, which adds much better flavor and texture.
Let the sauce simmer: After adding the sauce to the skillet, let it simmer for a few minutes so it thickens and coats the chicken with that glossy sesame chicken texture.
Use chicken thighs if preferred: Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe if you want even juicier chicken with a richer flavor.
Don't skip the sesame oil: Sesame oil gives this recipe that classic takeout flavor and a little goes a long way.
Add toppings before serving: Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions add extra flavor and make the finished dish look even better.
What This Keto Sesame Chicken Is Like
This keto sesame chicken has tender pieces of chicken breast coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It tastes similar to takeout sesame chicken but without the breading or sugary sauce.
The chicken stays juicy, the sauce thickens beautifully in the skillet, and the whole recipe feels like comfort food while still being high protein and low carb.
Serving Ideas
Keep it low carb: I usually serve this keto sesame chicken over steamed cauliflower rice for an easy low carb dinner, but it also works great with zucchini noodles or a simple side salad.
Make it family friendly: If I'm serving this to my family, I make regular rice for them and cauliflower rice for myself so everyone can eat the same dinner without separate meals.
Add vegetables: This recipe pairs really well with roasted broccoli, air fryer green beans, or my Keto Asian Chopped Salad for a fresh crunchy side.
Perfect for busy nights: This is one of my favorite quick weeknight chicken recipes because it tastes like takeout but is much lighter and higher in protein. Each serving has only 259 calories and 3 net carbs.
Try more keto takeout recipes: If you enjoy easy keto chicken recipes like this, also try my Keto Teriyaki Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Keto Beef and Broccoli, and Crustless Pizza.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store leftovers: Store leftover keto sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce reheats really well, making this a great option for meal prep lunches.
Reheat easily: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much in the refrigerator, you can add a small splash of water while reheating.
Meal prep it: I like to portion this into meal prep containers with cauliflower rice and a vegetable for easy high protein lunches throughout the week.
Freeze for later: You can also freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and stay really juicy. They add a slightly richer flavor but are still perfect for a low carb dinner.
Traditional sesame chicken usually is not keto friendly because it is breaded and coated in a sugary sauce. This version uses simple low carb ingredients and skips the breading to keep the carbs low.
Yes. Simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this keto sesame chicken gluten free.
Try not to overcook the chicken breast and make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier texture.
Yes. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and zucchini all work really well in this recipe and make it feel even more like a complete takeout-style dinner.
Recipe Card
Keto Sesame Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 5 Tablespoons Soy sauce (use Tamari for gluten free)
- ¼ Cup Ketchup (sugar free for keto)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ Cup sugar free brown sweetener (click to see my favorite)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- sesame seeds for garnish
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, brown sugar, onion powder, sesame oil and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine ingredients and set aside.
- Heat a non stick skillet over medium high heat. Add your chicken breast chunks. Cook until slightly brown and cooked through, should take about 5-8 minutes. Test the internal temperature with a meat probe thermometer to make sure the chicken is 165F.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Turn your heat down to medium low and let simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken. Serve topped with sesame seeds for garnish.
Notes
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for a juicier texture.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you need this recipe to be gluten free.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet or the chicken will steam instead of brown.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so it thickens and coats the chicken properly.
- This recipe reheats really well and is great for meal prep lunches throughout the week.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low carb meal or regular rice for family members who are not eating low carb.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Sandy Trott says
This turned out great! Thanks for the recipe.
Sue says
I made this tonight with some leftover chicken & fried cauliflower rice, it was delish! Thank you for sharing.
JACKIE ANDERSON says
It was pretty good but not like Chinese style sesame chicken. I think it was the ketchup and brown sugar combo was sort of a bbq sauce flavor and overpowered the sesame oil and soy sauce. It was super easy though, and a quick dinner! Paired with roasted broccoli for the win.
Eliza says
Made as written and enjoyed by all six of us. Thank you.
Jen says
This was delicious- easy & quick! We served over stir fried cabbage & the flavor of the sauce was perfect!!
betti says
When I made this, I was delighted at the taste! I served it over cauliflower rice and felt like I really had a treat. It is filling and fantastic. Thankyou Jennifer!