This Low Carb Sesame Chicken is a perfect meal prep recipe that's diabetic-friendly, gluten-free and a twist on the classic Chinese food takeout dish. It's balanced with soy sauce and garlic, topped with sesame seeds and served with an Asian coleslaw and cauliflower rice.
Jump To:
- Ingredients for Low Carb Sesame Chicken Recipe
- How to Make Low Carb Sesame Chicken
- Step by Step Instructions
- Ingredients for the Low Carb Asian Coleslaw
- How to Make the Low Carb Asian Coleslaw Recipe?
- How to make cauliflower rice?
- Other sides to serve with this healthy sesame chicken recipe
- Recipe Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Storage
- More meal prep recipes
- Recipe Card
This gluten free sesame chicken recipe was inspired by some of my other asian recipes that are also healthy and low carb. Here are a few you might enjoy:
Ingredients for Low Carb Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: we used medium-sized chicken breasts without the skin and cut them into cubes.
- Coconut Oil: I prefer to use coconut oil in Asian dishes as it has an authentic flavor and it's rich in Medium Chain Tryglycerides making it a great option for those on low carb, diabetic friendly or keto diet.
- Soy Sauce: we used soy sauce in this low carb keto recipe although you can opt to use coconut aminos or tamari sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: giving this popular sesame chicken recipe a nutty and earthy flavor. You can use them as is or toast them. You might also enjoy this Cucumber Roasted Sesame Dressing Salad recipe.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: an alternative would be to use apple cider vinegar. We also use rice wine vinegar in the delicious Moo Shu Beef recipe.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: rich, bold and nutty
- Xanthan Gum: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
- Salt, Black Pepper and Garlic
* See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Low Carb Sesame Chicken
Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1: Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, brown the cubed chicken with the salt and pepper.
While the chicken is cooking make the sauce. In a small bowl whisk together the rice wine vinegar and soy sauce while sprinkling the xanthan gum into the mixture. Whisk vigorously until the xanthan gum has dissolved and set aside.
STEP 2: Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and lower the heat to medium-low. Add the sesame oil to the pan and the garlic, and cook until the garlic has softened. Add in the soy mixture and increase the heat to medium and to bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 1: Brown the chicken.
- Step 2: Make the sauce.
STEP 3: Lower the heat add the cooked chicken and stir to warm through.
STEP 4: Top with the sesame seeds and stir once again. Enjoy the low-carb sesame chicken over cauliflower rice and the Asian coleslaw. (see instructions below)
- Step 3: Add back the cooked chicken.
- Step 4: Top with sesame seeds.
* See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredients and instructions.
Ingredients for the Low Carb Asian Coleslaw
How to Make the Low Carb Asian Coleslaw Recipe?
- In a large bowl whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, stevia, sesame oil and ground ginger.
- Add the coleslaw and toss with the dressing.
- This recipe is also gluten free which pairs well with the gluten free sesame chicken.
How to make cauliflower rice?
- add the frozen cauliflower rice to a dry frying pan over medium-low heat.
- stir occasionally and cook until all moisture is removed and some cauliflower rice is crispy.
- add salt and pepper and mix, serve or store in an airtight container.
Other sides to serve with this healthy sesame chicken recipe
Recipe Tips
- Toast the sesame seeds to enhance the nutty and rich flavors.
- Do not burn the garlic, cook until soft and fragrant.
- Use low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce the salt content in the recipe.
- If you prefer a sweeter recipe add your preferred sugar free sweetener to the soy sauce mixture.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy: add a spicy garlic sauce or some sriracha to the soy sauce mixture for a spicky kick. If you enjoy spicy asian recipes, try this Bold and Spicy Angry Chicken recipe.
- Vegetarian: swap the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian twist on this classic recipe.
- Add some chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh and zesty finish.
Storage
- Store the sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For meal prep, store in individual air-tight containers with some cauliflower rice and Asian coleslaw.
- Reheat the sesame chicken and cauliflower rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Meal Prep Recipes!
Discover simple and delicious meal prep ideas tailored for a diabetic-friendly, low-carb lifestyle.
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Recipe Card
Low Carb Sesame Chicken (Meal Prep Recipe)
Instructional Recipe Video
Ingredients
Low Carb Sesame Chicken
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil or preferred oil
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup soy sauce or use low sodium or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
Low Carb Asian Coleslaw Salad
- 1 bag store-bought coleslaw or make your own
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or use low sodium or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon stevia
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Cauliflower Rice
- 2 cups frozen cauliflower rice or use fresh
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Low Carb Sesame Chicken
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and xanthan gum until dissolved. Set aside.
- Remove chicken from skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook garlic in sesame oil until softened.
- Add soy mixture, increase heat to medium, and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Lower heat, return chicken to the skillet, and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over cauliflower rice with Asian coleslaw.
Low Carb Asian Coleslaw
- In a large bowl whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, stevia, sesame oil and ground ginger.
- Add the coleslaw and toss with the dressing.
Cauliflower Rice
- Add the frozen cauliflower rice to a dry frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Stir occasionally and cook until all moisture is removed and some cauliflower rice is crispy.
- Add salt and pepper and mix, serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- The nutritional information in this recipe is for 2 servings of sesame chicken with cauliflower rice and Asian coleslaw.
- Please note the Asian coleslaw is for 4 servings if using the full bag of coleslaw.
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Swathi says
Low carb sesame chicken is perfect with a bowl of cauliflower rice. I enjoyed it.
Nicole says
This sesame chicken was the perfect meal prep recipe! Super easy to make and packed with flavor.
Sonja says
I didn't have much time today, but really wanted a healthy meal that would keep me happy for a few days. Your sesame chicken was excellent for that! All the veggies, low carbs and flavor as if I got take out! Super satisfying.
Criss says
Crispy, savory, and perfect for meal prep—this sesame chicken is a game-changer!