Authentic Keto General Tso Chicken: Your Ultimate Low-Carb Takeout Favorite
Craving the vibrant, sticky-sweet, and perfectly spicy flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout, but sticking to a keto lifestyle? Look no further! This incredible Keto General Tso Chicken recipe masterfully recreates the classic dish, delivering an unparalleled balance of flavor, texture, and heat, all while keeping carbs remarkably low. Prepare to satisfy your deepest takeout cravings with this perfectly crafted, guilt-free version of a beloved classic.
Embrace the Keto-Friendly Chinese Takeout Experience
Before embracing the keto diet, the allure of Chinese takeout, particularly a generous order of General Tso’s chicken, was undeniable. It encapsulated everything I loved about Chinese cuisine: tantalizing tangy and umami notes, a delicate hint of sweetness, and a bold, unforgettable spice. The richness of the sauce, combined with crispy chicken, made it an irresistible indulgence.
However, traditional General Tso’s chicken is typically laden with sugar and refined carbohydrates, making it a challenging dish for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. The good news is that recreating this iconic dish at home, with keto-friendly ingredients, is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. This particular recipe stands out as a near-perfect copycat, capturing all the authentic flavors without derailing your dietary goals. Your family, friends, and even the skeptics will be amazed by how closely this low-carb General Tso chicken mirrors the original, prompting everyone to ask for seconds!
Our goal with this recipe was to develop a version that doesn’t just “pass” as General Tso’s but genuinely rivals its conventional counterpart in taste and texture. We’ve meticulously selected ingredients and perfected techniques to ensure every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, from the satisfying crunch of the breading to the complex, aromatic sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey back to your favorite takeout experience, but with a healthy, keto twist.
Crafting the Perfect Crispy Keto Chicken Bites
One of the true highlights of this Keto General Tso Chicken recipe is the impeccably crispy breading. Achieving that coveted crunch, reminiscent of deep-fried takeout chicken, without using high-carb flours, is a culinary triumph we’re particularly proud of. Our secret lies in the careful selection and preparation of a few key ingredients, ensuring a tender interior and a golden-brown, satisfyingly crisp exterior.
The Ideal Breading: Almond Flour vs. Almond Meal
Forget all-purpose flour or traditional breadcrumbs; for this recipe, we turn to almond flour. It’s crucial to use fine **almond flour**, not almond meal. While both come from ground almonds, almond flour is typically made from blanched, skinless almonds and ground to a much finer consistency. Almond meal, on the other hand, often includes the skins and has a coarser, more grainy texture. Using almond meal will result in a less pleasant, gritty coating on your chicken nuggets, whereas almond flour provides a smooth, light, and perfectly crispy crust that adheres beautifully to the chicken.
Choosing the Right Chicken: Thighs for Tenderness
For optimal results, we strongly recommend using boneless, skinless **chicken thighs** over chicken breasts. Chicken breasts, while lean, tend to dry out much quicker when fried, leading to a less enjoyable texture. The dark meat of chicken thighs, however, is naturally richer in fat and moisture. This inherent quality allows them to absorb flavors more effectively and retain their juiciness, even after frying. The result is succulent, tender chicken bites that are bursting with flavor, a hallmark of excellent General Tso’s chicken.
The Secret to Super Tender Chicken: Sparkling Water
Here’s a game-changing tip for incredibly tender chicken: incorporate sparkling water into your breading mixture. The carbonation in sparkling water works wonders by gently breaking down the muscle fibers in the chicken. This process, often referred to as “velveting” in some Asian cooking traditions, helps the chicken absorb moisture and flavors more efficiently, leading to an exceptionally tender and moist interior. It’s a simple addition that makes a significant difference, elevating your keto chicken bites from good to extraordinary.
When frying, ensure your oil temperature is consistent around 350°F (175°C). Overcrowding the pan can drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken, so fry in batches to maintain that perfect golden crispness. A good thermometer is your best friend here, guaranteeing perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Crafting the Irresistible Spicy General Tso Sauce
Beyond the crispy chicken, the heart and soul of this recipe lies in its extraordinary sauce. Our Keto General Tso sauce is a masterpiece of flavor – a complex dance of spicy, sweet, tangy, and umami notes that will captivate your senses. You’ll literally smell the layers of flavor develop as it simmers on the stove, promising a truly authentic experience.
A Symphony of Flavors: Key Sauce Ingredients
The depth and vibrancy of this sauce come from a carefully curated blend of ingredients: fresh ginger paste, robust garlic chili sauce, a high-quality sugar-free stir-fry sauce, fragrant sesame oil, a brown sugar substitute like Swerve for that essential sweetness, and other foundational elements like soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Each component plays a vital role in creating the signature taste profile of General Tso’s.
- Ginger Paste & Minced Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses form the foundation of most delicious Asian sauces, providing a pungent, warming base.
- Garlic Chili Sauce & Dried Red Hot Chilis: These are the heroes behind the “spicy” in spicy General Tso chicken. The garlic chili sauce offers a nuanced heat with garlicky undertones, while the dried chilis deliver a direct, fiery kick.
- Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute: Essential for mimicking the rich, molasses-like sweetness of brown sugar without the carbs, crucial for that sticky-sweet profile.
- Sugar-Free Stir Fry Sauce & Soy Sauce: These provide the deep umami and savory notes that define Chinese cuisine, ensuring your sauce is robust and flavorful. Look for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re managing salt intake.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing touch that adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall authenticity.
- Rice Vinegar & Chicken Broth: Rice vinegar brings the necessary tanginess to balance the sweetness and spice, while chicken broth thins the sauce to the right consistency and adds another layer of savory depth.
Customizing the Spice Level
The beauty of making this dish at home is the ability to customize its heat. What makes General Tso’s spicy? It’s predominantly the combination of dried red hot chilis and garlic chili sauce. If you crave more fire, simply increase the amount of garlic chili sauce. For those who prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of dried red chilis used. You are the chef, so adjust to your family’s preference!
Sauce Versatility and Storage
This remarkable sauce isn’t just for chicken! Consider doubling the recipe and storing the extra in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It makes an incredible dipping sauce for grilled chicken, pork skewers, or even pan-seared steak. Its robust flavor profile makes it a versatile condiment you’ll want to have on hand for various low-carb meals.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Keto General Tso Chicken
Elevate your Keto General Tso Chicken experience by serving it with your favorite keto-friendly Chinese side dishes. These accompaniments not only complement the bold flavors of the chicken but also help create a complete and satisfying meal that transports you straight to your favorite Asian restaurant.
Classic Low-Carb Sides
A simple yet effective choice is a fluffy bowl of cauliflower rice. It’s neutral enough to let the General Tso chicken shine, while providing a comforting base. If you’re a true spice enthusiast, consider serving your chicken atop a bed of Cajun cauliflower rice for an extra layer of zesty heat that perfectly matches the chicken’s bold flavors.
For a vibrant green vegetable side, our bacon and green beans recipe offers a delightful contrast. The mild, savory flavors of the green beans and crispy bacon pair exceptionally well with the rich, breaded chicken bites, adding a wonderful textural and flavor dimension to your plate.
Beyond Cauliflower Rice: Noodle Alternatives
If you’re looking to branch out beyond cauliflower rice, or simply crave the feel of noodles with your Chinese meal, prepare some keto Chinese noodles. These offer a fantastic low-carb alternative, providing a satisfying chewiness and an excellent vehicle for absorbing any extra General Tso sauce. They often feature complementary ingredients, making them a perfect accompaniment or even a replacement for cauliflower rice.
Of course, you can never go wrong with our delicious keto bok choy stir fry with soy sauce eggs. This side dish shares the same savory umami flavors as the General Tso chicken, with the added freshness and slight bitterness of bright green bok choy. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your meal while keeping the flavor profile cohesive.
A Sweet Keto Ending
And for the perfect finish to your keto Chinese feast, indulge in some keto crispy cinnamon cream cheese roll-ups. This high-fat, low-carb dessert offers a sweet, satisfying crunch, providing a delightful balance to the savory main course. It’s the ideal way to round out a truly authentic and decadent keto takeout experience.
Smart Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Chinese Chicken
This Keto General Tso Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile for meal prepping. Having a batch of this flavorful chicken ready in your refrigerator makes for quick and easy low-carb lunches or dinners throughout the week. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its fantastic taste for days to come.
To store your homemade Chinese chicken, simply transfer it to an airtight food storage container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. While the chicken retains its flavor, the breading may soften slightly upon reheating, especially in a microwave. For the best texture, we recommend enjoying it within this three-day window.
A smart tip for meal prepping is to always make a little extra sauce. As the chicken sits in the fridge, it might absorb some of the sauce or appear a bit dry. Having extra sauce on hand allows you to freshen it up before serving, bringing back that glossy, flavorful coating. Simply warm a spoonful or two of the extra sauce and toss it with your chicken before reheating for a perfectly revitalized dish.
Reheating in a skillet on the stovetop can help restore some crispness to the chicken, especially if you add a tiny bit of oil. Alternatively, a few minutes in an air fryer can bring back a delightful crunch. Whichever method you choose, this keto chicken is designed to be just as delicious as leftovers as it is fresh.
Keto Spicy General Tso Chicken Recipe Card
Ready to bring this culinary magic into your kitchen? Below you’ll find the comprehensive list of ingredients and step-by-step photos guiding you through the creation of this delicious Keto General Tso Chicken. All precise measurements and detailed instructions are provided in the printable recipe card that follows, making it easy to whip up this low-carb masterpiece.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 2 net carbs per serving
Ingredients Overview
For The Chicken:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces for optimal surface area)
- Almond Flour (fine-ground, blanched for the best texture)
- Eggs (for binding the breading)
- Sparkling Water (our secret for tender chicken)
- Baking Powder (adds lightness to the coating)
- Salt and Pepper (to season the chicken to perfection)
- Oil (for frying – choose a high smoke point oil like avocado or coconut oil)
- Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (for an elegant and flavorful garnish)
For the Sauce:
- Sesame Oil (for aroma and depth of flavor)
- Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute (keto-friendly sweetness)
- Sugar-Free Stir Fry Sauce (a convenient base for umami)
- Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free; essential umami)
- Garlic Chili Sauce (for controlled heat and garlic notes)
- Rice Vinegar (to provide that crucial tang)
- Chicken Broth (to achieve the perfect sauce consistency)
- Minced Garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
- Ginger Paste (adds a zesty, warming spice)
- Dried Red Hot Chilis (adjust quantity for desired spiciness)
Directions for Cooking
- Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a sturdy pot or deep pan on the stove until it reaches a consistent 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the almond flour, sparkling water, baking powder, eggs, and salt and pepper to taste. Ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the breading mixture, tossing them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the pot of hot oil in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them evenly on both sides until they are beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and drain excess oil on a plate lined with paper towels. You may need to fry the chicken in several batches to achieve optimal crispness and ensure even cooking for all pieces.
- While the chicken is frying, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a separate mixing bowl. Pour this mixture into a clean skillet and place it over medium heat on the stove.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to your desired consistency. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can add a tiny sprinkle of xanthan gum (start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more if needed) and whisk thoroughly until incorporated.
- Finally, add the fried chicken pieces directly into the warm sauce, tossing them gently until each piece is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.
Pin this incredible recipe for later and enjoy the best Keto Spicy General Tso Chicken you’ve ever made at home!
Follow me on Pinterest for more delicious keto recipes!
Keto General Tso’s Chicken
Recreate your favorite Chinese takeout! Keto General Tso chicken is perfectly spicy with the best balance of flavor and texture, all while staying low-carb.
dinner, Main Course
General Tso Chicken, Keto Chinese, Low-Carb General Tso
Ingredients
Breaded Chicken
-
2
pounds
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
cut into bite-sized pieces -
2/3
cup
Almond Flour -
2
large
Eggs -
1/4
cup
Sparkling Water -
1
tsp
Baking Powder -
Salt and Pepper
to taste -
Oil
For Frying (e.g., avocado oil) -
Green Onions
For Garnish -
Sesame Seeds
For Garnish
Keto General Tso Sauce
-
1
tsp
Sesame Oil -
3
tbsp
Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute -
1
tbsp
Sugar-Free Stir Fry Sauce -
3
tbsp
Soy Sauce -
2
tsp
Garlic Chili Sauce -
3
tsp
Rice Vinegar -
1/4
cup
Chicken Broth -
2
tsp
Minced Garlic -
1
tsp
Ginger Paste -
4
Dried Red Hot Chili Peppers
Instructions
Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a pot or pan on the stove until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sparkling water, baking powder, eggs and salt and pepper to taste.
Add the chicken to the bowl, and toss to coat well.
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer one at a time into the pot of hot oil.
Fry evenly on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove, and drain on a paper towel lined plate. You may have to do this in batches to cook all of the chicken pieces.
Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl, and pour into a skillet over medium heat on the stove.
Simmer until the sauce thickens a bit. You can also add a sprinkle of xanthan gum to thicken it further if desired (start with 1/4 tsp).
Toss the chicken in the sauce and serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 335 Net Carbs: 2 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. Individual ingredient variations can affect accuracy. I cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
More Delicious Keto Chinese Recipes to Explore
If you loved this keto spicy General Tso Chicken recipe and are eager to discover more low-carb Asian-inspired dishes, you’re in for a treat! We’ve curated a selection of our favorite keto-friendly Chinese recipes that bring authentic flavors to your table without the added carbs. These dishes are perfect for expanding your keto culinary repertoire and satisfying those occasional takeout cravings with healthier, homemade alternatives.
- Keto Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
- Keto Tiktok Salmon Sushi Nori Cups
- Keto Tiktok Egg Boil
- Keto Honey Garlic Pork Bites
- Low-Carb Orange Beef and Broccoli
Enjoy expanding your menu with these vibrant, flavor-packed keto recipes, proving that healthy eating never has to be boring or restrictive. Happy cooking!