Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my slow cooker sesame chicken keto recipe! It’s an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to stick to a keto diet without sacrificing flavor. The beauty of this dish is that it’s incredibly simple to make; you just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic! The chicken thighs come out tender and juicy, coated in a rich, savory sauce that’s packed with the delicious flavors of sesame and garlic. Plus, it’s super satisfying at around 350 calories per serving. Trust me, you’re going to want this on your dinner table, whether you’re keto or just looking for a tasty, easy meal!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, low-sodium for a healthier option
- 1/4 cup sesame oil, for that nutty flavor
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup, to keep those carbs low
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, adds a nice tang
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic, fresh is best!
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger, for that zing!
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted for extra crunch
- 2 green onions, sliced for a pop of color and flavor
How to Prepare the Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken Keto
Alright, let’s dive into the steps for making this mouthwatering slow cooker sesame chicken! I promise, it’s as easy as pie—well, maybe easier! Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious keto meal ready to enjoy in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your slow cooker and place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs right in there. You want to make sure they’re all nice and snug!
- Now, in a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sesame oil, 1/4 cup of sugar-free ketchup, and 2 tablespoons each of rice vinegar and minced garlic. Oh, and don’t forget that 2 tablespoons of minced ginger for a delightful kick! Whisk it all together until it’s well mixed. It’s going to smell amazing!
- Next, pour this glorious sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring every piece is coated. Trust me, that flavor will soak in beautifully.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. If you’re home, it’s a good idea to sneak a peak once in a while—just to get a whiff of that deliciousness!
- Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the cooker. It should fall apart easily—just like that!
- Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving. This adds a lovely crunch and a burst of freshness!
And there you have it! Your slow cooker sesame chicken keto is ready to be devoured. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition because I know you’re curious! This slow cooker sesame chicken keto is not only delicious but also fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like the brand of soy sauce or whether you opt for different types of chicken. But I promise, this dish is a hearty and satisfying option that won’t derail your keto goals! Enjoy every bite knowing you’re fueling your body right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
- Incredible flavor from a savory sauce that combines the nuttiness of sesame oil with the zing of garlic and ginger.
- Perfectly keto-friendly with only 6g of carbohydrates and 2g of sugar per serving.
- Super tender chicken that practically shreds itself after hours of slow cooking.
- Versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Family-friendly—everyone will love this dish, regardless of their dietary preferences!
- Great for meal prepping—make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Low-cost ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
- Warm and comforting, it’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to help you nail this slow cooker sesame chicken keto, because we all want it to be perfect, right?
- Choose Quality Chicken: I always go for organic, free-range chicken thighs when I can. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, which makes a huge difference in the final dish!
- Adjust Cooking Time: Every slow cooker is a bit different. If yours runs hot, check the chicken on the lower end of the cooking time. You want it tender but not mushy, so don’t overcook!
- Enhance the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce to your taste! If you like it a little sweeter, add a splash more sugar-free ketchup. If you enjoy heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can really amp it up!
- Don’t Skip the Sesame Seeds: Toast those sesame seeds before adding them to the dish. It brings out their nutty flavor and adds that extra crunch that makes each bite delightful!
- Serve with Low-Carb Veggies: For a complete meal, pair this tasty chicken with steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles. They complement the flavors perfectly and keep it keto!
- Let It Rest: After shredding the chicken, let it sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This allows all those savory flavors to meld together beautifully!
With these tips, I know you’ll create a slow cooker sesame chicken keto that’s not just good, but absolutely fantastic! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of delicious variations you can try with this slow cooker sesame chicken keto recipe! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Different Proteins: Swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, or try using pork tenderloin for a completely different flavor! You can even go with tofu for a vegetarian twist—just be sure to press it well to remove excess moisture.
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in a handful of sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking. They’ll add great color and nutrients to the dish without adding too many carbs!
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce mix. It’ll give the dish a fiery edge that’s sure to wake up your taste buds!
- Sweet and Tangy: If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of sugar-free honey or a splash of pineapple juice (check those carb counts!). It’ll balance perfectly with the savory elements of the dish.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can brighten up the flavors! Try adding a tablespoon of chopped cilantro or basil right before serving—such a refreshing touch!
- Asian Fusion: Want to switch up the flavor profile? Consider adding a splash of orange juice and some zest for a citrusy twist, or use hoisin sauce instead of ketchup for a richer flavor.
These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to customize your slow cooker sesame chicken keto to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. So go ahead, have fun experimenting, and enjoy the delicious results!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your slow cooker sesame chicken keto is ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a complete and satisfying meal! The beauty of this dish is that it pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb options that keep you in line with your keto goals while adding some great flavor and texture.
- Steamed Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli is not only super healthy but also adds a nice crunch that complements the tender chicken. Simply steam it with a pinch of salt, and you’ve got a perfect side!
- Cauliflower Rice: This is a classic keto staple! Sauté riced cauliflower with a bit of garlic and sesame oil for an easy, flavorful base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Zucchini Noodles: If you’re craving pasta, spiralized zucchini (or “zoodles”) is a fantastic low-carb alternative. Toss them briefly in a pan to soften, and serve them under your sesame chicken for a fun twist!
- Asian Slaw: A fresh slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing adds a refreshing crunch that beautifully contrasts the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them a deliciously satisfying side!
- Shirataki Noodles: These miracle noodles are perfect for a keto-friendly option. They’re low in calories and carbs, and they take on the flavor of whatever sauce you serve them with—perfect for soaking up that savory chicken sauce!
Feel free to mix and match these sides to create a colorful and satisfying plate! You’ll end up with a meal that’s not only delicious but also keeps you on track with your keto lifestyle. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers because trust me, you’ll want to save every last bite of this slow cooker sesame chicken keto! Proper storage will keep it fresh and tasty for your next meal.
First off, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before you store it. Then, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it doesn’t absorb any funky odors from your fridge!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken! Just portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Now, for reheating—this part is key! I recommend gently reheating the chicken on the stove over low heat to keep it juicy and flavorful. Just add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to help steam it up and prevent drying out. Stir it occasionally until it’s heated through.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave! Just make sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in. Heat it in short intervals, about 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until it’s warmed to your liking.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your slow cooker sesame chicken keto anytime you crave it. Happy eating!
PrintSlow Cooker Sesame Chicken Keto: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Keto
Description
A delicious slow cooker sesame chicken recipe suitable for a keto diet.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
- Stir in sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: slow cooker, sesame chicken, keto