I love Asian-inspired food. What I don’t love is how quickly it turns into a sugar-and-starch situation when you’re eating keto. Even dishes that sound safe usually aren’t — sauces are sweetened, thickeners sneak in, and suddenly you’re way off plan and out of ketosis.
This keto chicken stir fry is one of those recipes that solves that problem without turning into a whole production. It’s fast, flexible, and actually realistic for a busy weeknight.
I’ve shared a few other Asian-inspired low carb recipes over the years as well, including General Tso’s Meatballs and Keto Asian Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce, but this chicken stir fry is by far one of the fastest and most flexible options for a busy weeknight.
The secret weapon here is bagged broccoli slaw — one of the most underutilized keto-friendly vegetables in the grocery store. It doesn’t taste strongly of broccoli, it holds up well to high heat, and it’s surprisingly low in carbs (about 3g net carbs per ¾ cup). You’ll find it in the produce section, already washed and prepped, which saves a ton of time.
Because most of the vegetables come from the slaw mix, this low carb chicken stir fry comes together incredibly quickly. From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes, including prep. Faster than takeout, and without the mystery ingredients.
This recipe is naturally low carb and gluten free, hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal, and easy to work into a weekly meal prep rotation. It’s featured in the Week Three Keto Menu Plan, alongside other simple, repeat-friendly meals designed for consistency.
Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and no post-meal regret — exactly how keto dinners should be.
Why This Keto Chicken Stir Fry Works
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Uses store-bought broccoli slaw to cut prep time way down
- Naturally low carb and gluten free
- Easy to double for meal prep
- No specialty ingredients or complicated techniques
Easy Swaps & Variations
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust based on what you have:
- Chicken thighs can be swapped for chicken breast if you prefer
- Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms if your carb budget allows
- Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own
Keto Chicken Stir Fry (Gluten Free)
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
An easy low carb chicken stir fry that takes only 15 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup gluten free soy sauce (tamari)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar substitute
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 2 heaping cups bagged broccoli slaw mix
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
Instructions
- Slice the chicken thighs into thin pieces or strips.
- In a large saute pan, stir fry the chicken and minced ginger in the sesame oil for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce, water, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, sugar substitute, and xanthan gum.
- Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the slaw and the scallions and toss to coat – simmer for 2 minutes or until al dente. Don’t overcook or it will be mushy.
Notes
Approx nutrition info per serving: 219 calories, 10g fat, 5.5g net carbs, 19g protein
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: keto dinner recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups or half the batch
- Calories: 219
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 19g
Leanne says
Made this last night and it was delicious! There was so much flavor. I didn’t have tamari so used coconut liquid aminos. I’ll definitely be making this again!
Karrisa says
This is one of my faves! I use monkfruit sweetener and it always turns out delicious!
Tati says
I agree. But I live the spice. I usually don’t comment on recipes either.
Alicia Baird says
SOOOOOO AWESOME! Had to post on IG! Tagged you!🤗😄
Eric Bartlett says
I don’t normally take time to rate or comment on recipes, but i had to make an exception on this one. I am new to keto living. I know that veg is important and even though it is usually loaded with it; stirfry has let me down on flavor, texture and how filling it can be. On this type of diet, i want every point on my macros to mean something and not leave me bored or hungry. This recipe is spicy, flavorful, and filling! I am so glad I gave this a try. I am kind of picky and i wouldn’t change a thing. I really enjoyed the low carb chicken stirfry! I have to warn you though, it is a bit spicy for some. ;)
Liana W says
Made this following the recipe with the exception of using 3 thighs. It is easy, fast and delicious. Seriously did not expect that much flavor. The balance of crunch and meat really mimics the Chinese I was craving. Heads up if you don’t like spice just adjust the pepper flakes a bit, but I really think it is spot on perfect.
Jon Horgan says
Made as written. Great balance of spice, sweet, crunch, and chew! Whole family loved it. Wife ate it on top of cauli-rice. Saving this one for sure.
Ana says
Wonderful recipe! I was craving something Asian and this hit the spot. Thanks for sharing.