Easy and Tasty Keto General Tso Chicken — A Must-Try Recipe

Asad Bhatti
8 min readNov 10, 2023

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Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Chicken Thighs?

🐔 You can use chicken breast instead of thighs for your Keto General Tso Chicken. Ensure the chicken breast is thinly sliced to promote even cooking, and enjoy the leaner option while keeping it keto-friendly.

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary journey that brings the beloved flavors of General Tso’s chicken to your keto lifestyle. Look no further! In this blog post, we will delve into the delightful realm of Keto General Tso Chicken. Trust me, this recipe is truly worth getting excited about.

What makes this dish truly stand out? Imagine this: these tender, juicy chicken chunks cozied up in a crispy, flavor-packed coating. And then, they’re taking a delightful swim in a sauce nailing that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and just the right kick of spiciness. But the real magic? It’s completely keto-friendly, so you won’t spot any of those pesky high-carb troublemakers anywhere.

But that’s not all! What elevates this recipe to greatness is its unwavering commitment to keto principles, all without resorting to low-carb sweeteners or additives. You get all the tantalizing flavors without any artificial fuss. So, if you’ve been craving the mouthwatering experience of General Tso’s chicken while staying true to your keto journey, get ready for a real treat.

In this blog post, we’re your trusty guides through this irresistible recipe. Discover a culinary journey with our comprehensive guide to Keto General Tso Chicken. From essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions and serving suggestions, we’ve got you covered. Embark on a mouthwatering adventure, where every bite unveils a delightful fusion of taste and keto compliance. Indulge in the perfect balance of flavors while staying true to your dietary goals. Get ready to experience a world of irresistible flavors and culinary excellence.

Table of Contents

What is Keto General Tso Chicken?

Before we roll up our sleeves and step into the kitchen for our culinary adventure, let’s get cozy with the heart of Keto General Tso Chicken. But first, what’s all the buzz about this “keto” concept?

So, “keto” is short for the ketogenic diet, where the main gig is to savor low-carb, high-fat eats. The grand plan? To kickstart a metabolic state called ketosis, your body opts for fat as its VIP energy source instead of the usual carbs. The whole idea here is to rock energy efficiency and make fat-burning look like a breeze.

You may be curious: “Is it possible to enjoy General Tso’s chicken while following a keto diet?” The traditional rendition of this dish contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates due to the sugary sauce and breaded chicken. However, fret not! We are here to provide you with a keto-friendly version.

Keto General Tso Chicken offers a clever and delicious low-carb dish variation on the classic recipe, tailored to suit your low-carb lifestyle. By swapping out high-carb ingredients for keto-friendly options, you get to enjoy the delightful mix of sweet and savory tastes without sacrificing your carb count. Dive into this tasty dish, all while sticking to your dietary objectives!

The key to success (pun intended) lies in discovering clever alternatives and implementing a handful of straightforward modifications to the recipe. And the most delightful aspect? You won’t notice the absence of carbs, as it will still be just as delicious!

Now that we have a good grasp of the keto concept let’s delve into the essential ingredients. What is required to create a delectable keto-friendly General Tso’s chicken in the comfort of your own home? Let’s uncover the answer in the upcoming section!

Ingredients

Chicken: Begin with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast. These delectable cuts steal the spotlight and deserve to be succulent and tender.

Almond Flour: Introducing our keto-friendly alternative to traditional flour! Achieve that perfect crispy coating on your chicken without the extra carbs.

Egg: To ensure the almond flour adheres to the chicken, it is necessary to use a beaten egg or two.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is the ultimate cooking oil for your culinary needs. Not only is it keto-friendly, but it also adds the perfect crispy texture when cooking chicken. It’s the secret ingredient to elevate your dishes to new heights of delicious recipes.

Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): This is the source of the delicious savory and salty flavor. If you prefer to avoid soy, you can substitute it with coconut aminos instead.

Sesame Oil: A mere drizzle of sesame oil imparts a delightful and nutty flavor that is simply exquisite.

Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute (or Another Keto Sweetener): To add the sweet element to the sauce, opt for a keto-friendly sweetener like Swerve brown sugar substitute. It is an excellent choice for achieving the desired taste.

Garlic and Ginger: Incorporating freshly minced garlic and ginger into your sauce will infuse it with exquisite flavor.

Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a touch of spice, red pepper flakes are the perfect choice. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of heat.

Green Onions: To enhance your dish, finely chop some green onions as a delightful garnish. Not only do they impart a refreshing taste, but they also introduce a vibrant burst of color.

Keto-Friendly Substitutions and Their Benefits:

The magic of this Keto General Tso Chicken is in our substitutions to keep it low-carb. Here’s why these swaps are a game-changer:

Almond Flour vs. Traditional Flour: Almond flour is low in carbs and healthy fats, making it a fantastic alternative for coating your chicken while keeping keto-friendly.

Coconut Aminos vs. Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos are a soy-free option with a similar flavor profile. They keep the sauce savory while avoiding the carb-heavy soy sauce.

Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute: Swerve is a keto-friendly sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar. It mimics the sweetness of brown sugar without the carbs.

Preparation

Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using chicken breasts, ensure they’re thinly sliced to cook evenly.

Coat the Chicken:

  1. In one bowl, beat the eggs.
  2. In another bowl, place your almond flour.
  3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then into the almond flour to coat it evenly.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once it’s hot, add the chicken pieces.
  3. Cook them for about 4–5 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Saute them for a minute or two until they release their fragrant aroma. Then, add the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), your choice of keto sweetener (like Swerve brown sugar substitute), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with that fantastic sauce.

Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top to add some freshness and color. Your Keto General Tso Chicken is ready to be devoured!

Tips and Tricks:

  • Keep an Eye on the Heat: When cooking the chicken, ensure the oil is hot but not smoking like medium heat. You want that perfect crispiness without overcooking.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is too small. Crowded chicken won’t get that lovely crisp texture.
  • Taste as You Go: When making the sauce, taste it and adjust the flavors to your liking. You can add more sweetener, salt, or spice as needed.
  • Customize the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spiciness, skip or reduce the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more!

Cooking Time:

Prepare your chicken and serve a piping hot plate of General Tso’s chicken in 30–40 minutes. Yes, you heard it right — a delectable masterpiece that’s keto-friendly and ready in under an hour! So pamper yourself with this homemade delight, satisfying your cravings while staying true to your keto goals.

Nutritional Information

Knowing the nutritional breakdown of your Keto General Tso Chicken is essential, especially when you’re following a specific diet like keto. Here’s the approximate dietary information per serving (please note that serving sizes can vary):

  • Calories: 350–400 calories
  • Total Fat: 20–25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8–10 grams
  • Cholesterol: 100–120 mg
  • Sodium: 700–800 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10–15 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2–3 grams
  • Sugars: 2–3 grams
  • Protein: 30–35 grams

Serving Suggestions

A plate of General Tso’s chicken served with flavorful fried rice, offering a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in this classic Chinese dish.

Keto-Friendly Side Dishes:

Cauliflower Rice: Swap traditional rice for cauliflower rice. It’s low in carbs and pairs beautifully with the saucy chicken.

Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): Zucchini noodles, created by spiralizing zucchini, offer a fantastic and healthy low-carb substitute for traditional pasta. Toss them in olive oil and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to create a simple yet delicious side dish.

Stir-Fried Veggies: A medley of stir-fried low-carb vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, can add extra crunch and color to your plate.

Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a keto-friendly dressing like ranch or vinaigrette can balance the meal.

Portion Sizes and Serving Arrangements:

  • For portion sizes, a typical serving of Keto General Tso Chicken is about 1 cup of chicken and hoisin sauce, and you can pair it with around 1/2 to 1 cup of your chosen side dish.
  • Remember that everyone’s dietary needs are different, so adjust portion sizes to match your specific macros and hunger levels.
  • To make the dish appealing, garnish it with extra chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a touch of elegance and a different flavor.
  • Serve your Keto General Tso Chicken and side dish on a nice plate or bowl for an enticing presentation.
  • Remember to have some chopsticks or a fork and knife handy, depending on your preference.

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