Keto Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

There are certain recipes that make sticking to a keto lifestyle feel effortless, and this Keto Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is one of them. It has all the savory, slightly sweet, sesame flavors you love from takeout, but without the sugar and carbs that usually come with it.

I first started making this recipe after a friend shared her low-carb version of sesame chicken. She promised it would satisfy my takeout cravings without knocking me out of ketosis. Last weekend, I made it for my family during a cozy movie night, and I couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared. The chicken was tender, the broccoli was perfectly crisp-tender, and the rich sesame garlic sauce coated everything beautifully.

Now it’s one of my favorite recipes when I’m craving comfort food, feeling stressed after a busy day, or simply looking for a healthy weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Keto-friendly

✅ Low-carb and high-protein

✅ Better than takeout

✅ Family-approved

✅ Ready in 30 minutes

✅ Packed with flavor

✅ Great for meal prep

✅ One-pan meal

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Keto Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Broccoli

• 4 cups broccoli florets

Keto Sesame Sauce

• ¼ cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons powdered monk fruit sweetener or keto sweetener
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Coconut aminos
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Keto sweetener

Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:

• Golden brown
• Fully cooked
• Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the same skillet.

Cook for 4–5 minutes.

For softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water and cover briefly.

Step 4: Combine

Return chicken to the skillet.

Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and broccoli.

Stir well.

If using xanthan gum, sprinkle it in gradually while stirring.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Serve immediately.

Keto Tips for Success

Use Chicken Thighs

They stay juicy and flavorful.

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

Slightly crisp broccoli provides the best texture.

Add Xanthan Gum Slowly

A little goes a long way when thickening keto sauces.

Taste Before Serving

Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your preference.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Sesame Chicken

Add:

• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• Red pepper flakes

Net Carbs:

Approximately 5g per serving

Garlic Sesame Chicken

Double the garlic for extra flavor.

Net Carbs:

Approximately 4g per serving

Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

Add:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Snow peas (if your carb allowance permits)

Net Carbs:

Approximately 6–7g per serving

Sesame Shrimp Version

Replace chicken with shrimp.

Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side.

What to Serve With Keto Sesame Chicken

Perfect pairings include:

• Cauliflower rice
• Stir-fried cabbage
• Zucchini noodles
• Roasted broccoli
• Asian cucumber salad

Last weekend, I served it over cauliflower rice, and even my family members who aren’t following keto cleaned their plates.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Skillet

Reheat over medium heat for 4–5 minutes.

Microwave

Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Total Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Net Carbs: 4g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sesame chicken normally keto?

Traditional sesame chicken is usually coated in flour or cornstarch and contains sugar. This keto version avoids those ingredients.

Can I use chicken breast?

Absolutely. Chicken breast works well, though chicken thighs tend to stay juicier.

What can I use instead of coconut aminos?

Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari are excellent substitutes.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

Xanthan gum is the most keto-friendly option.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! It reheats beautifully and makes excellent lunches.

Is broccoli keto-friendly?

Yes. Broccoli is low in net carbs and packed with nutrients.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is one of those recipes that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. The savory sesame sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli come together in a meal that tastes like your favorite takeout order—but without the carb overload.

When I made it for my family last weekend, everyone loved it, and I loved how simple it was to prepare. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just looking for a delicious low-carb dinner, this recipe is a winner every time.