If you love bold flavors but want to stay on track with your low-carb lifestyle, this Low-Carb General Tso’s Chicken is the perfect dish for you! Crispy, pan-seared chicken bites are coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce—without the extra carbs and sugar found in takeout versions. Made with wholesome ingredients like coconut flour, erythritol, and avocado oil, this dish delivers all the flavor with none of the guilt. Not only is this dish quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to Chinese takeout, this homemade version of General Tso’s Chicken will be a new favorite in your weekly meal rotation! Serve it over cauliflower rice or steamed veggies for the ultimate low-carb feast.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for soy-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with coconut flour until evenly coated.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, erythritol, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix xanthan gum with water until dissolved, then add to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most beloved Chinese-American dishes, known for its crispy texture, bold flavors, and perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. However, the traditional version is often deep-fried and coated in a sugar-laden sauce, making it a less-than-ideal choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. This Low-Carb General Tso’s Chicken keeps all the flavor but removes the excess carbs, sugar, and unhealthy oils, offering a healthier alternative to your favorite takeout dish. The dish itself is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty military leader, though there’s no historical evidence linking him to the recipe. Instead, General Tso’s Chicken became popular in Chinese-American cuisine in the 1970s, thanks to chefs who wanted to create a unique, sweet-and-spicy chicken dish that would appeal to Western tastes.
Health Benefits of Low-Carb General Tso’s Chicken
Switching to a low-carb, keto-friendly version of General Tso’s Chicken comes with several nutritional advantages:
- Lower in Carbs & Sugar – Traditional General Tso’s Chicken is often loaded with refined sugars and cornstarch, which can spike blood sugar levels. This recipe uses erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener) and coconut flour for a sugar-free, low-glycemic alternative.
- High in Protein – Made with chicken thighs, this dish is packed with high-quality protein, which helps build muscle, promote satiety, and support metabolic health.
- Healthy Fats – Instead of deep-frying in unhealthy vegetable oils, this version uses avocado oil and sesame oil, both of which are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and help reduce inflammation.
- Gluten-Free & Soy-Free Option – By using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, this dish becomes a great choice for those who have gluten intolerance or are avoiding soy.
- Rich in Essential Nutrients – With ingredients like ginger, garlic, and green onions, this dish provides anti-inflammatory benefits, antioxidants, and immune-boosting compounds to support overall health.
Why This Recipe Is the Best (Compared to Other Versions)
- Crispy Texture Without Deep Frying – Many keto or low-carb versions of General Tso’s Chicken tend to be soggy because they skip the batter. However, this recipe uses coconut flour, which helps create a lightly crispy coating without adding unnecessary carbs.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweet & Spicy Flavor – Instead of using sugar-packed hoisin sauce or high-carb honey, this version uses natural keto-friendly sweeteners and crushed red pepper flakes for just the right kick of spice.
- Quick & Easy to Make – Unlike traditional takeout, which can take hours to prepare or be filled with unhealthy additives, this homemade version is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Pairs Well with Various Side Dishes – Serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed broccoli for a complete, balanced low-carb meal.
Serving Ideas & Meal Prep Tips
How to Serve It
- Over a bed of steamed cauliflower rice for a takeout-style meal without the carbs.
- With sautéed bok choy or stir-fried vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.
- As a lettuce wrap filling, for a fun, handheld way to enjoy this dish.
Make It in Advance
- Meal Prep Friendly – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating Tips – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the sauce watery.
- Freezing – The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Simply reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions & Customization Options
- Don’t Have Coconut Flour? Use almond flour instead. It will still create a light coating, though slightly less crispy.
- Prefer Chicken Breast Over Thighs? Go for it! However, chicken thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- Like It Spicier? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- Want Extra Crunch? Toss in some toasted cashews or peanuts for a bit of texture and a nutty twist.
- Soy-Free Alternative? Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Pairing Suggestions – What to Serve With This Dish
Want to make it a full meal? Here are some low-carb side dishes that go perfectly with this Low-Carb General Tso’s Chicken:
- Garlic Sesame Broccoli – Lightly steamed and tossed with sesame oil and garlic.
- Cucumber Salad – Refreshing, crisp cucumbers in a tangy rice vinegar dressing.
- Avocado Slaw – A creamy, crunchy cabbage slaw with a hint of lime.
- Cauliflower Fried Rice – A low-carb alternative to classic fried rice, packed with flavor and fiber.
Conclusion
This Low-Carb General Tso’s Chicken gives you all the bold, addictive flavors of the takeout classic without the unhealthy ingredients. It’s a fantastic choice for those following a keto, paleo, gluten-free, or sugar-free diet, or simply anyone looking to enjoy a healthier homemade meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. With its crispy texture, rich umami flavor, and spicy-sweet glaze, this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s super customizable, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner fix. So why order takeout when you can make an even better, healthier version at home? Try it today and experience the difference!
