If you love Chinese food as much as I do, you are going to instantly fall in love with this Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken! Prior to keto, I always ordered kung pao chicken when my family got Chinese take out. In fact, it is my dad’s favorite, which is what turned me on to it.
Now, you can have it again, guilt-free, knowing exactly what went into making this recipe! The combination of the crunch from the veggies, the tender, fatty chicken thighs, and the sweet and salty sauce make this the perfect Chinese food take-out replacement meal.
Your Favorite Kung Pao Chicken Ingredients
With this recipe, we went a more traditional route with onion, bell peppers, and peanuts, but the ingredient list is truly up to you! What are your favorite ingredients? Broccoli, cashews, asparagus, cauliflower? There are so many to choose from. You can change it up every time you make it. Your favorite kung pao recipe ingredients may not be the same as ours, but we guarantee if you use the base sauce we’ve provided below, it’ll be delicious every time!
The Best Asian Dinner Recipes!
We’ve got you covered on all Asian fronts from our keto butter chicken and low carb naan, to our keto sushi and easy cashew chicken. We are big proponents of not depriving yourself of your favorite foods. We want to make your life easier and this lifestyle more sustainable by giving you keto-friendly replacements for your favorite meals. We do our best to keep them simple, but flavorful, so you can whip them up on a busy night and feed the entire family with success!
Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken
There is always reason to order take-out. You’ve had a long day at work or you want to have night in date night with your special someone. Although those are great reasons, putting convenience before your health isn’t ever a great thing to do. You can whip up this recipe in less than 20 minutes and still treat your partner to a special “take-out” dinner date. If it were me, I would definitely start with our low carb pot stickers as appetizers and then move onto this incredibly flavorful, and delicious Low-Carb Kung Pao Chicken with cauliflower rice as the main course!
Recipe can be quickly added to MyFitnessPal – Search “KetoConnect – Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken”
Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken
Ingredients:
Chicken
- 1 lb Boneless/Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/3 medium red bell pepper
- 2 stalks celery
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp xanthan Gum (optional)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup liquid aminos
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1.5 tbsp chili garlic sauce/sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 30 drops Liquid Stevia
Instructions:
- Cut the bell pepper and celery stalks into big chunks and set aside in a bowl.
- Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and chop the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite sized chunks. Add coconut oil to the hot skillet and add in the chunks of chicken.
- As the chicken cooks, make the sauce. Add all the sauce ingredients above to a bowl and combine using a whisk. Set aside.
- Once the chicken is 90% cooked through add in the veggies and cook for a couple minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Add in the peanuts and stir and allow to cook for another minutes as they toast. Add in the ginger and garlic, stir once more and add in the sauce.
- Allow to cook for 3-5 minutes on high until the sauce has reduced to your liking. If desired, add the xanthan gum to thicken up the sauce even more.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or on its own and enjoy!
Notes
Written by
Megha Barot
Megha has always been a passionate cook, but she took this to a new level after starting her keo journey in 2015. She loves creating new recipes and producing educational content for KetoConnect, which she co-founded in 2016 with Matt. Her passion for healthy eating and personal development continues to thrive. She's the proud mom of two awesome kids.
Stephanie says
I have some veal I have to use. Can I substitute for chicken?
Cass Cardy says
We haven’t tried the recipe with veal, but it will probably be good too! Let us know how it turns out if you do. 🙂
Sandra says
I am so happy to have found you guys! I have been watching you on you tube for a while now and really enjoy the content. I made this recipe tonight and it was AMAZING! Thank you for all you do!
Bethanie & Tim says
Megha, this is another hit for us. So yummy and quick! Next We are trying the cauliflower fried rice!
Jonsie says
Going to the store now to pick up the ingredients! So excited! I would be interested if you all find a Keto-hack for The General in the future.
Lynne says
I made this and it was DELICIOUS! I like the spice and taste of the recipe. I will use this recipe again and again! Thanks for creating and sharing!
Charlene says
SO good! Thank you. Made with what I had which was leftover rotisserie chicken, the bottom of a can of cashews (for the peanuts), doubled the sauce, added a bit more on the veg (all due to the fact I had more than a pound of chicken). Stirred in Miracle Noodles at the end. Mmmm.
Stacie says
I thought soy sauce wasn’t allowed when following a Keto diet?
Megha Barot says
We are comfortable consuming it – you can, however, use alternatives like coconut aminos if you prefer.
Stacey H says
Omg this is so good, my 14yo made it for my husband and me. Definitely a winner and am doubling this tonight for easy take to work lunches. The spice is fantastic. Thanks again Matt & Megha!!
Michele V says
Made this a couple nights ago and we loved it.
amy h. says
i made this tonight, for the very first time. i omitted the liquid stevia. didn’t use any sweetener at all. OMG — IT IS SMACKIN’ GOOOOOOD! i ate mine with cauliflower rice.
my hubby loves it too ((he’s not low-carb, so he got real rice with his)).
will definitely make this again. might add extra celery & peppers next time. it is SOooooo good!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS RECIPE!! =^)
Polly Gelwan says
Amazingly delicious!! Thank you Megha for this awesome recipe. I made it with breast meat, the whole pepper, extra stalk celery, 4 t. fresh chopped ginger, and only 1/8 t. xantham gum. Served it with sautéed riced cauliflower and broccoli mix which tasted great with the sauce from the stir fry. Its our new favorite recipe and I’ve shared it with all my friends … even those who aren’t necessarily following a keto diet. Also, pre-ordered your cookbook on Amazon. Thanks again!
Sandy says
Made this tonight and loved it! I’m not one for a lot of spice, so I really dialed down the sriracha – a little too much. LOL But I can add more on the leftovers. I also didn’t add any Stevia since the sauce has a great flavor without it. Used sliced almonds instead of peanuts too. Very good!Thanks!
Vanessa says
Another great one guys!! We made this for dinner tonight and it was spectacular! Lots of really great flavors. I know a few others thought it was spicy, but for us the spice was on point! Thanks again!
Lori Nehring says
Just made this and is was AMAZING!
Thanks, Megha & Matt
Angela says
Made this and the Butter Chicken. Both recipes were easy to prepare and were amazing!!!! Thank You for the R & D you do for those of us who don’t have time to get creative with their keto cooking!
Jamie says
Just made it for dinner. Used chicken thighs and added zuchinni. Delicious!!! My family is happy, happy, happy! You guys should try to make a keto friendly honey walnut shrimp.
Ken says
This recipe was a complete hit in my home. Even my most negative critic in the house said it was “incredible”!The portions were a little small and it is spicy hot so if that would be a problem in your home, just dial back the chili sauce a little bit and double the recipe. Trust me, it will all disappear! Great job on this recipe Megha!
Adriane says
Made this last night – subbed almonds for peanuts since that’s what I had on hand. Really tasty! I might cut back the stevia though, I thought it was a little too sweet. Thanks for the recipe!
Tammy says
Love the flavor but just a bit to much heat! Should I just cut back on the chili sauce? It is an excellent recipe! We will make again! Thank you for all your recipes!
Megha Barot says
Yes, yo could cut back on the chili sauce – or reduce it for less time so the flavors don’t concentrate as much!
KelleBelleQ says
Just made your Kung Pao Chicken. Wow, it was amazing! Will definitely be making this often. So much flavor and so fast and easy. Please keep doing what you do!
Thankful I found you guys. You’ve been so much help on my journey and an inspiration.
Thanks so much
KelleBellrQ