Keto Sweet and Sour Chicken
A crispy, low-carb version of the Chinese takeout favorite (30 minutes, one-pan).
Key Info:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
- Net Carbs: 4g per serving
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet or wok
- 2 mixing bowls
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- (Air fryer optional)
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup almond flour (or coconut flour)
- ½ cup crushed pork rinds
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Keto Sweet & Sour Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-carb ketchup
- ¼ cup granulated sweetener (Lakanto or equivalent)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum (optional thickener)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Method:
- Mix almond flour, crushed pork rinds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg, then coat in the breading mixture.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (325°F if using thermometer).
- Cook chicken in batches until golden brown (5-7 minutes per batch).
- Meanwhile, whisk sauce ingredients except xanthan gum in a small saucepan.
- Simmer sauce on low heat for 3-5 minutes, add xanthan gum if using.
- Toss cooked chicken with warm sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Crucial Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
- Pat chicken dry before breading.
- Sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Keep oil temperature steady for even cooking.
Storage & Variations:
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Common Substitutions:
- Chicken thighs work great.
- Coconut flour instead of almond flour.
- Apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar.
Variations:
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use in lettuce wraps.
- Serve over cauliflower rice.
Common Mistakes:
- Adding sauce too early (makes coating soggy).
- Overcooking the chicken.
- Not patting chicken dry first.
- Making sauce too thick.
This recipe brings back that takeout feeling without the carbs. The key is getting that coating super crispy before adding the tangy-sweet sauce. Trust me, no one will guess it’s keto!
