Introduction
When you think of low-carb meals, you might envision bland, flavorless dishes. But that’s far from the case with this Keto Ginger Chicken Stir Fry! This recipe is packed with zesty ginger, crisp veggies, and tender chicken, making it the perfect choice for those following a ketogenic lifestyle or anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, low-carb meal. Whether you’re on a ketogenic diet, monitoring your SmartPoints, or simply love fresh, tasty meals, this stir fry is a winning dish.

This recipe delivers a balance of flavor and nutrition, while remaining low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Best of all, it’s versatile—feel free to adjust the vegetables or protein source to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
    • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs) – sliced into thin strips
    • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tbsp coconut aminos (a keto-friendly soy sauce alternative)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tsp sesame oil
    • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • For the Stir Fry:
    • 1 tbsp avocado oil (or any high-heat oil of your choice)
    • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 cup bell peppers (any color), julienned
    • 1 cup broccoli florets
    • 1/2 cup sliced carrots (optional for extra crunch)
    • 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
    • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
    • 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • For the Stir Fry Sauce:
    • 2 tbsp coconut aminos
    • 1 tbsp almond butter (or peanut butter for a richer flavor)
    • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
    • 1 tbsp lime juice
    • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
    • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (optional, for thickening the sauce)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
    Begin by preparing the chicken. Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs) into thin strips. In a bowl, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. For the best results, marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Stir Fry Vegetables:
    While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables. Slice the bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onion into thin strips or half-moons. Break the broccoli into small florets, ensuring they are evenly sized. Set all vegetables aside in separate bowls for easy access during cooking.
  3. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, almond butter, grated ginger, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Add xanthan gum if you prefer a thicker sauce. Stir well until smooth and set aside.
  4. Cook the Chicken:
    Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  5. Cook the Vegetables:
    In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Start by sautéing the onion, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. Then, add the zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring all vegetables are cooked through but not overdone.
  6. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
    Once the vegetables are ready, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything to combine. Allow the sauce to cook and slightly thicken for about 2-3 minutes, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture. Serve the stir fry hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Each serving contains:

  • Calories: 315 kcal
  • Fat: 21g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Net Carbs: 8g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Smart Points

For those following Weight Watchers (WW) or tracking SmartPoints, this Keto Ginger Chicken Stir Fry is a low SmartPoints option, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy, balanced meal.

  • SmartPoints (WW Green): 4 points per serving
  • SmartPoints (WW Blue): 3 points per serving
  • SmartPoints (WW Purple): 3 points per serving

These points make it a great dish to incorporate into your meal plan, especially when you’re looking for something delicious but low in SmartPoints.

Tips for Success

  • Marinate the chicken longer: While 15 minutes is sufficient, the longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the ginger and garlic flavors will be. Consider marinating it overnight for a deeper flavor.
  • Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a more fiery stir fry, add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
  • Protein alternatives: You can easily swap out chicken for other proteins like shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Make it crispy: If you love crispy chicken, consider pan-frying the marinated chicken in a little extra oil until the outside is crispy before adding it to the stir-fry.
  • Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, and reheat in a pan over low heat. This meal also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for a Keto Diet

This Keto Ginger Chicken Stir Fry is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and proteins, making it an ideal choice for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. It avoids the use of sugar or high-carb ingredients like corn starch or regular soy sauce. The vegetables used are all low in carbs, providing fiber and nutrients while keeping the net carbs in check. The sauce is sweetened with almond butter and coconut aminos, both keto-friendly options that keep the dish flavorful without spiking blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

This Keto Ginger Chicken Stir Fry is not only a perfect fit for anyone on a ketogenic diet, but it’s also an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty ginger sauce will have your taste buds dancing, while the low carb content ensures that it fits seamlessly into your healthy eating habits. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a family dinner, this dish is versatile, customizable, and packed with all the nutrition you need.