Introduction:

The Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional stir-fries, offering a savory, satisfying meal without the extra carbs. Perfect for those on a ketogenic diet or anyone looking for a healthy, light dinner, this recipe combines tender chicken, crispy cabbage, and a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. It’s not only low in carbohydrates but also rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a perfect addition to your meal planning. This dish is an excellent choice for people following a Keto, Whole30, or gluten-free lifestyle.

Ingredients:

  • For the Stir-Fry:
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
    • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips
    • 4 cups cabbage, finely shredded (about 1/2 medium head)
    • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
    • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional for added color and flavor)
    • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
    • 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
  • For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
    • 3 tablespoons coconut aminos (a great low-carb alternative to soy sauce)
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
    • 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon erythritol or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener
    • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips. This ensures they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the stir-fry sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce (if using), chili paste or sriracha, and erythritol. Whisk the mixture together until the sweetener is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor by adding more sweetener or chili paste if desired. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the xanthan gum to thicken slightly. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften. Add the shredded cabbage and red bell pepper (if using). Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, until the cabbage starts to wilt but still retains some crispness.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Once the vegetables are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything together until the sauce is evenly distributed. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve the stir-fry hot on its own or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of the total recipe)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Net Carbs: 6g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

SmartPoints Calculation:

  • Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 3 SmartPoints per serving (if using zero-calorie sweeteners)
  • PersonalPoints (WW): This is based on your personalized points, but it generally remains around 3 points per serving when prepared with the ingredients listed. You can adjust this depending on the oil used or other variations.

Tips for Success:

  1. Chicken Substitutes: While chicken breast is lean and high in protein, you can substitute it with other meats like boneless skinless chicken thighs or even ground turkey for variety. Just be mindful of any changes to the nutritional values.
  2. Cabbage Variations: If you’re not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with other low-carb vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, although these may alter the texture and flavor profile.
  3. Thickening the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of xanthan gum slightly, but remember, a little goes a long way.
  4. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste or sriracha based on your heat preference. You can omit it for a milder dish or increase it for a spicier version.
  5. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave. For a fresher texture, you may want to sauté it lightly after reheating.

Health Benefits of this Recipe:

  • High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues, and supports immune function.
  • Low in Carbs: This dish is keto-friendly and contains just 6g of net carbs per serving, making it ideal for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
  • Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocado oil and sesame oil provide healthy fats, which are essential on a keto diet for energy and satiety.
  • High in Fiber: The cabbage provides fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • Antioxidants from Ginger and Garlic: Both ginger and garlic are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, helping boost your immune system and improve digestion.

Why This Recipe Works for Your Keto Diet:

This Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. It’s incredibly versatile, low in carbs, and high in nutrients, making it an ideal choice for anyone on a ketogenic diet. The cabbage gives you the crunch and texture you would expect from a traditional stir-fry, while the tender chicken and savory sauce make it a delicious, satisfying meal.

Low SmartPoints Recipe:

When following a Weight Watchers program, this recipe is ideal for staying within your daily SmartPoints target. At just 3 SmartPoints per serving, it’s a healthy, filling meal that won’t break your points budget. You can pair it with low-calorie side dishes like a small portion of cauliflower rice, a salad, or steamed vegetables to make a more complete meal without adding extra points.

Conclusion:

The Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is an incredibly satisfying and flavorful dish that fits perfectly within your keto or low-carb lifestyle. With its balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables, it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine without the added carbs from traditional stir-fry noodles or rice. Plus, with only 3 SmartPoints per serving, it’s a WW-friendly recipe that you can enjoy without guilt. Whether you’re following a keto diet, Weight Watchers, or just looking for a healthy, delicious dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.