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Keto Chicken Stir Fry (Gluten-Free) πŸ₯˜

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Ready to shake up your dinner routine? Dive into our Keto Chicken Stir Fry recipe. This dish is a real game-changer: not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also simple and quick to prepare, all in a single pot. Perfect for anyone on a keto diet or simply for those who love a good, hearty stir fry. You're just steps away from a delicious meal!

Low-carb chicken stir fry recipe made with bell peppers, broccoli and chicken.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Can you believe that it takes only 22 minutes to get a savory low-carb chicken stir fry? That's right, 22 minutes is all it takes to chop up your fresh ingredients, whisk together that mouthwatering savory sauce, and cook this low-carb meal that is perfect for meal prep.

Chef's note

Following a keto diet doesn't mean bidding goodbye to your favorite sweet and tangy sauces in stir-fries. Our recipe uses a low-carb stir-fry sauce made just for you. It's a creative blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and a brown sugar substitute, giving you all the familiar sweet, umami flavors without carbs. Also, we substituted the traditional flour with almond flour, making the dish gluten-free and keto friendly.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

πŸ₯˜ Ingredients for this keto chicken stir fry recipe

For the chicken chunks

  • 1 lb skinless chicken breast, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon almond flour
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Β½ head broccoli, chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped

For the sauce

  • Β½ cup chicken broth or any broth of choice
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute or granulated sweetener of choice
  • Β½ teaspoon xanthan gum
Chicken breast being chopped into pieces.
Chunks of chopped broccoli on a chopping board.
Sauce made by mixing chicken broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, white vinegar, sweetener and xanthan gum.

Ingredient substitutions

Don't have every ingredient on hand? No worries, we've got some clever swaps to keep your stir fry on point.

  • Chicken breast: Substitute with other varieties of proteins such as skinless chicken thighs, turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or beef sirloin. But you will have to adjust the temperature and cooking time to account for the differences in meat thickness and texture.
  • Olive oil: Swap with coconut oil or sesame oil. It works well for stir-frying vegetables or meats.
  • Garlic: Instead of fresh garlic cloves, use garlic powder. Its concentrated form ensures a more uniform spread of flavor throughout the dish.
  • Onion: If you don't have onions, use shallots. It has a similar flavor profile and milder taste than onions.
  • Broccoli: Substitute with cauliflower for a slightly sweeter and nuttier taste.
  • Bell pepper: Replace with zucchini or mushrooms to add more fiber to your meal.

Check out our recipe card below for detailed information on the carb count.

Additional ingredients

You can even jazz up your dish with some keto-friendly additions! These optional ingredients are not part of the original recipe, but you can use them to make your dish smell and look appealing!

  • Spinach: This low-carb, nutrient-dense green melds seamlessly into a stir fry. To keep its vibrant color and preserve its nutrients, add it towards the end of the cooking process.
  • Chili Peppers: To infuse a bit of heat into your stir fry, include finely chopped fresh or dried chili peppers. Add them during the sautΓ©ing of your garlic and onion for the boldest flavor.
  • Sesame Oil: Just a splash of sesame oil can elevate the distinct taste of your stir fry.
  • Scallions: A sprinkling of chopped scallions can bring a vibrant crunch and pop of color to your meal. Add them just prior to serving.
Keto and gluten free chicken recipe in a cast iron pan.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Chicken Stir Fry recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Cast iron pan or wok
  • Spatula
  • Small bowl x2

Tool substitutes list

Kitchen tools MIA? Fear not; we've got some handy hacks for you!

  • Large mixing bowl: Use any large container with a flat bottom and tall sides, such as a pot, a deep saucepan, or a plastic storage container.
  • Whisk: Use a fork or a handheld mixer.
  • Cast-iron pan: Replace with a stainless steel pan.
Keto chicken and broccoli recipe seasoned with sesame seeds.

How to make Keto Chicken Stir Fry: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Stir-frying

Preparation steps

  1. First thing first, assemble all your ingredients on the counter.
  2. Grab those measuring spoons and cups! It's time to get the quantities right.
  3. Now, cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Slice your onion, broccoli, and bell pepper into approximately equal-sized chunks so they cook evenly.
  5. Mince your garlic cloves finely so they distribute their flavor throughout the dish.
  6. In another bowl, mix together the chopped chicken and almond flour. Stir it gently until the chicken is evenly coated with the almond flour.

Cooking instructions

  1. In a big bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the stir-fry sauce until they're well mixed. Keep the sauce to the side for later.
  2. Next, put the chopped chicken and almond flour in another bowl and stir them together lightly.
  3. Heat some oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces in the oil for about 5-7 minutes until they're mostly done. Take the chicken out of the skillet and put it aside.
  4. Turn down the heat to medium. In the same skillet, cook the minced garlic and onion for 2 minutes or until the onions look clear. Then, add the rest of the vegetables and cook them until they start to get juicy.
  5. Now, pour in the stir-fry sauce and the cooked chicken. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce gets a little thicker.
  6. Finally, turn off the stove and serve the stir-fry while it's still hot.

Note: Garlic is a flavorful ingredient. But be careful not to burn it, as this can taste bitter.

Mixing diced chicken and almond flour in a large bowl.
Chicken being stir fried in a cast iron pan.
Stir frying minced garlic and ginger in a cast iron pan.
Bell pepper added to the cast iron pan for stir-frying.
Cooking broccoli and other veggies in a cast iron pan.
Adding sauce to the cast iron pan with broccoli, chicken and other veggies.
SautΓ©ing vegetables in a cast iron pan with wooden spatula.
Adding chicken chunks to veggies in a cast iron dish.
Chicken and broccoli being cooked in a cast iron dish.
Mixing diced chicken and almond flour in a large bowl.
Chicken being stir fried in a cast iron pan.
Stir frying minced garlic and ginger in a cast iron pan.
Bell pepper added to the cast iron pan for stir-frying.
Cooking broccoli and other veggies in a cast iron pan.
Adding sauce to the cast iron pan with broccoli, chicken and other veggies.
SautΓ©ing vegetables in a cast iron pan with wooden spatula.
Adding chicken chunks to veggies in a cast iron dish.
Chicken and broccoli being cooked in a cast iron dish.

Chef's pro tip

One of the things we often struggle with is keeping the chicken from sticking to the pan. To prevent this from happening, make sure your pan is adequately heated (the oil should shimmer but not reach the point of smoking).

Try to hold off on stirring it too much right from the start. Letting the chicken sear without constant movement for a few minutes will give it that tasty, browned crust and help avoid sticking. Oh, and don't forget to chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly too!

What to serve with Keto Chicken Stir Fry?

You can serve your stir fry with the following sidekicks:

  • Cauliflower rice: A low-carb, keto-friendly alternative to regular rice is a bowl of cauliflower rice.
  • Zucchini noodles (Zoodles): A fun and healthy substitute for traditional noodles.
  • Keto-friendly flatbread: A low-carb flatbread for scooping up the extra sauce.
  • Green salad: For a refreshing contrast to the hearty stir fry, try cauliflower salad or even a cabbage salad as per your preference.
  • Steamed or roasted mushrooms: Try these delicious hibachi mushrooms for a more well-rounded and nutritious meal.
  • Keto garlic butter green beans: SautΓ© green beans in garlic-infused butter for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Low carb chicken recipe with broccoli, onion, and bell pepper.

How to make it healthier?

Cast Iron Keto always brings healthy keto chicken recipes knowing that a lot of chicken lovers want flavorful options. Here are some tweaks to boost the nutrition profile of our keto low-carb chicken:

  • Use less oil: Use cooking spray or a small amount of vegetable broth to sautΓ© the chicken and your favorite veggies to reduce the amount of added fat.
  • Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu chunks for a vegetarian version. Press tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture and cube them. Then, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you can enjoy a veg dish easily.

Time-saving tips

In a rush? Follow these shortcuts to make your cooking experience even quicker.

  • Buy pre-cut frozen veggies from the store.
  • Purchase ready-made chicken broth from grocery stores. Look for options that align with your dietary preferences, such as low-sodium or organic broth.
Healthy low-carb chicken stir fry loaded with broccoli and bell peppers, presented in a cast iron skillet.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Prep the veggies: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Keto stir-fry sauce: Prepare the sauce and refrigerate it. Give it a good whisk to ensure it's well-blended just before using.
  • Prepare the chicken pieces: Dice the meat and coat it in almond flour beforehand. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use it.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage

Got leftovers? You can easily store and reheat your stir fry so it's just as delicious tomorrow. Let it cool to room temperature before you transfer it to an airtight container.

  • Refrigerator: Store the leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Eat your stir-fry within 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Divide the leftovers into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be stored for 3-4 months. But before reheating, you must thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Keto chicken recipe in cast iron pan.

Leftover reheating methods

Follow these reheating practices to reheat your stir-fried chicken:

  • Microwave: To heat it up in the microwave, put the amount you want on a plate and cover it with a wet paper towel. Reheat it on high heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Stovetop: Place the leftovers in a pan with some oil or water. Heat it on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and transfer the stir fry to an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil and bake it for 10-15 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
Close-up of a keto-friendly chicken stir fry recipe in a cast iron skillet.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion


We love a good stir-fry. It's such a versatile dish that is easy to cook all in one pan. The cooking method brings out the best in each ingredient, preserving their distinct flavors and crispy texture. However, traditional stir-fry often includes sauces that contain flour, adding unnecessary carbohydrates and posing a challenge for individuals following a ketogenic lifestyle.

That's where our Keto Chicken Stir Fry recipe shines. We have replaced traditional sauces with a keto version, allowing you to enjoy the taste and achieve your nutritional goals simultaneously.

Keto chicken stir fry cooked in a cast iron skillet, featuring chunks of chicken and broccoli.

Frequently asked questions

You can add some heat to your stir fry by adding chili peppers or red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount, and remember, a little goes a long way.

Try using a small amount of arrowroot powder or glucomannan powder as a thickening agent. Remember that the required amount may vary, so start with a small quantity and adjust to your desired consistency.

Yes. This recipe is already dairy-free.

Make sure not to overcook it during the initial stir-frying stage. Remove the chicken when it is mostly cooked and set it aside. Then, stir-fry it with sauce later, allowing it to finish cooking while remaining moist and flavorful.

Certainly, monk fruit sweetener or stevia make great substitutions. Note that different sweeteners have varying sweetness levels. You have to adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences.

Choose a low-sodium soy sauce or use a salt-free alternative like coconut aminos. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce.

Absolutely! If you'd like to add more protein, add extra chicken or incorporate cooked shrimp, sliced steak, or scrambled eggs into the stir fry. Add them to the cooking process's end to ensure they are heated through without overcooking.

πŸ“– Recipe

Keto Chicken Stir Fry recipe seasoned with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Keto Chicken Stir Fry

This Keto Chicken Stir Fry is a quick dish featuring stir-fried chicken and veggies in a flavorful, homemade keto sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: chicken stir-fry, keto chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 261kcal

Ingredients

For the chunks

  • 1 lb skinless chicken breast chopped
  • 1 tablespoon almond flour
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • Β½ head broccoli chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper chopped

For the sauce

  • Β½ cup chicken broth or any broth of choice
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute or granulated sweetener of choice
  • Β½ teaspoon xanthan gum

Instructions

  • In a big bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the stir-fry sauce until they're well mixed. Keep the sauce to the side for later.
  • Next, put the chopped chicken and almond flour in another bowl and stir them together lightly.
  • Heat some oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces in the oil for about 5-7 minutes until they're mostly done. Take the chicken out of the skillet and put it aside.
  • Turn down the heat to medium. In the same skillet, cook the minced garlic and onion for 2 minutes or until the onions look clear. Then, add the rest of the vegetables and cook them until they start to get juicy.
  • Now, pour in the stir-fry sauce and the cooked chicken. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce gets a little thicker.
  • Finally, turn off the stove and serve the stir-fry while it's still hot.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Stir Fry
Amount Per Serving
Calories 261 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 73mg24%
Sodium 1387mg60%
Potassium 817mg23%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 29g58%
Vitamin A 1441IU29%
Vitamin C 110mg133%
Calcium 62mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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