If you’re craving a delicious, quick, and healthy meal that keeps things low carb yet packed with flavor, then you will absolutely love this Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe. It’s the perfect weekday hero, combining tender chicken thighs with vibrant, crunchy veggies all tossed in a rich and savory sauce that’s seasoned just right. Whether you’re keto, low carb, or just hungry for a tasty Asian-inspired dish without the guilt, this stir fry has your name on it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether in flavor, texture, or visual appeal, ensuring you get a delicious, satisfying meal every time.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs: Ideal for staying juicy and tender during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken with a light, fruity flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty aroma vital in stir fry dishes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brightens the dish with warmth and freshness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari: Brings umami and saltiness, keeping the sauce balanced.
- 2 tablespoons sugar free ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang without sugar.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lends acidity to cut through richness.
- 1 tablespoon low carb sweetener (erythritol): Slightly sweetens without any carbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Kicks up the heat to keep things lively.
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional): Perfect for thickening the sauce to a glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Used to blend with xanthan gum for sauce thickening.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Adds crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers: Offers sweetness and a splash of color.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions: Garnishes the dish with fresh, sharp notes.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Provides a subtle crunch and toasty flavor on top.
How to Make Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces and cook them undisturbed for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want that beautiful golden crust to seal in the juices and flavor. Once browned and cooked through, remove them from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, pour in the sesame oil. Then toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir and cook them briefly—just 30 seconds or until their aroma fills the kitchen. This step is crucial to building the flavor base for your sauce, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Next, add the soy sauce, sugar free ketchup, rice vinegar, sweetener, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together the xanthan gum with water and incorporate it slowly to avoid clumps. Let the sauce cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens into a beautiful glaze.
Step 4: Toss in the Veggies
Add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers directly to the sauce. Stir everything frequently and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables maintain a tender crispness—just soft enough to be enjoyable but still packed with that fresh bite.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to make sure every juicy morsel is coated in the flavorful sauce. Let everything heat through another 2 minutes so the flavors marry perfectly and the dish is piping hot all the way through.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches are everything here. Sprinkle the stir fry generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These add freshness and crunch, making every bite exciting! The green onions introduce a mild sharpness, and the sesame seeds lend that subtle nuttiness that brings the dish full circle.
Side Dishes
For a complete keto-friendly meal, serving this stir fry over fluffy cauliflower rice is an unbeatable choice. It soaks up all those incredible sauce flavors without any extra carbs. You can also consider a simple side of steamed spinach or sautéed garlic green beans for extra veggie power.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the stir fry in a hollowed-out bell pepper or even over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles. Garnish with extra herbs like cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick. Presentation can transform this humble dish into a weeknight dinner party star!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the fresh batch.
Freezing
If you want to make it even easier for busy days, freeze the stir fry in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the texture and flavor when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce and keep the veggies tender but not soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work just fine; just be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender and juicy.
Is this recipe suitable for other diets besides keto?
Yes, it fits well into low carb and paleo diets too, especially if you use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options.
What can I substitute for sugar free ketchup?
You can use tomato paste mixed with a low carb sweetener and a splash of vinegar for a similar tangy, sweet flavor without the sugar.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a mild, pleasant heat coming from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to make it as gentle or fiery as you like.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in snap peas, mushrooms, or even zucchini ribbons for extra variety and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe has quickly become one of my top go-to meals for healthy weeknights. It’s fast, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying without any fuss. Give it a try and see how easy it is to enjoy a takeaway-style dish that’s lovingly homemade and perfectly keto-friendly!
Print
Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This keto-friendly chicken stir fry offers a healthy, low-carb alternative to classic takeaway meals. Featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with vibrant broccoli and bell peppers in a flavorful, sugar-free sauce, it delivers satisfying Asian-inspired flavors without the carbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish can be customized with shrimp or beef while keeping it keto-compliant.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons sugar free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low carb sweetener such as erythritol
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the soy sauce or tamari, sugar-free ketchup, rice vinegar, low carb sweetener, and red pepper flakes.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix xanthan gum with water to create a slurry. Whisk this mixture into the sauce in the skillet to help it thicken. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant colors and textures.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately, ideally over cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
Notes
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete keto-friendly takeaway style meal.
- Adjust sweetness and spice levels according to your preference by varying the amount of sweetener and red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute shrimp or beef for the chicken to switch up the protein while keeping the dish low carb and keto-compliant.
- Xanthan gum is optional but recommended if you desire a thicker sauce without adding carbs.
