Craving Chinese takeout but committed to your low-carb lifestyle? This keto General Tso's chicken recipe delivers all the familiar flavors without the carb-heavy ingredients. It's a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily make at home, even on busy weeknights. This recipe is a healthy, sugar-free, and sweetener-free option that the whole family will love.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe recreates your favorite Chinese takeout dish with a focus on low-carb ingredients and bold flavors. The chicken is coated in a crispy breading (or prepared without breading for a healthier version) and smothered in a spicy, sticky-sweet sauce. The General Tso's sauce is versatile and can be used to flavor a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to salads or sandwiches.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, but chicken breasts can also be used. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Breading (Optional):
- Keto: A combination of almond flour, lupin flour, garbanzo bean flour, and seasonings creates a crispy coating. Whey protein can also be used for a crispier coating. Psyllium husk or pork rinds can also be used to coat the chicken.
- Paleo: Tapioca starch is used for a paleo-friendly coating.
- General Tso's Sauce:
- Base: Coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce provide the umami flavor.
- Sweetness: Sugar-free honey alternatives (like Sukrin Gold Syrup, Mrs. Taste Bee Free Vegan Honey, or Nature's Hollow Honey Sub) or real honey (for paleo) can be used. Liquid stevia or monk fruit extract can be added for extra sweetness, if desired. Erythritol or monk fruit sweetener can be used to sweeten the sauce naturally.
- Tanginess: Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick.
- Spice: Crushed red pepper flakes or sambal oelek provide the signature General Tso's heat. Red chilies can also be added for a burst of spice.
- Other Flavors: Sesame oil, tomato paste, garlic, and ginger round out the sauce's complex flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, baking powder, and an egg. This will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- Bread the Chicken (Optional):
- Keto: In a bowl, combine almond flour, pork rinds, and seasonings. Dip each chicken piece in a beaten egg, then dredge in the almond flour mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Alternatively, toss chicken in egg. Shake off excess and dip chicken pieces into a bowl of whey protein mixed with salt and pepper.
- Paleo: Dip the chicken into lightly whisked egg whites, then into a mixture of tapioca starch, salt, and baking powder.
- Psyllium Husk: Dip and coat each piece of chicken in psyllium husk.
- Fry or Bake the Chicken:
- Frying: Heat oil (canola or vegetable oil) in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 325F. Place the breaded chicken on a baking tray and bake for 60 minutes.
- Air Frying: Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Air fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Making the General Tso's Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together coconut aminos (or gluten-free soy sauce), sesame oil, sugar-free honey (or real honey), rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes (or sambal oelek), garlic, and ginger. You can also add some hot sauce if you want to make it spicier.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If you want the sauce to be more of a glaze, simmer it for a longer time, allowing more of the water to evaporate.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried or baked chicken to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh scallions and sesame seeds.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete low-carb meal.
- For a spicier dish, serve the chicken on top of Cajun cauliflower rice.
Tips and Tricks
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or sambal oelek to your desired spice level.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a longer time to allow it to thicken. If it's too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- Crispy Chicken: For the crispiest chicken, deep fry it or use whey protein for the breading.
- Time-Saving Tip: If you're short on time, skip the breading and simply cook the chicken in a skillet until browned. Then, toss it with the prepared sauce.
Variations
- General Tso's Shrimp: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood option.
- General Tso's Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Press the tofu to remove excess water before breading and frying.
- General Tso's Vegetables: Toss your favorite roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers, with the General Tso's sauce.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for this recipe will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. However, this recipe is generally low in carbs, high in protein and fat, and free of added sugar.
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