When busy weeknights leave me longing for the comforting flavors of takeout, I often find myself reaching for this Low Carb General Tso’s Chicken. The tangy, sugar-free sauce dances with a delightful blend of garlic and sesame, instantly transporting me to my favorite Asian bistro—all without the guilt of carbs! As the sizzling chicken thighs brown in my skillet, I can’t help but inhale the mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen, spawning cravings even before the meal is ready.

Packed with vibrant broccoli florets, this dish not only satisfies my taste buds but also keeps my health goals firmly in check. It’s my go-to when I want a quick yet impressive dinner that’s sure to please everyone around the table. Plus, with just one pan required, clean-up couldn’t be simpler. So gather your ingredients and let’s bring some savory magic to your home kitchen!

Why Choose Low Carb, Sugar-Free General Tso Sauce?

Authentic Restaurant Flavors: This sauce captures the delightful essence of classic General Tso’s Chicken, turning your home into a gourmet Asian bistro.
Health-Conscious Delight: It’s sugar-free and low-carb, making it perfect for those who want to indulge without derailing their diet.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without a lengthy prep time.
Versatile Base: Use this sauce with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu; it’s adaptable to meet your dietary needs.
Single-Pan Wonder: Enjoy minimal clean-up as everything cooks in one pan, making this a hassle-free weeknight meal.

Low Carb, Sugar-Free General Tso Sauce Ingredients

For the Sauce

Sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Low sodium soy sauce – A key ingredient for umami depth; substitute with tamari for gluten-free versions.
Rice vinegar – Brightens the sauce and balances flavors; apple cider vinegar can work if needed.
Low carb sweetener (monk fruit extract or stevia) – Provides the necessary sweetness without the carbs; adjust according to your taste preference.
Hoisin sauce – Delivers a hint of sweetness and depth; consider making a DIY mix for a nut-free alternative.
Sugar-free ketchup – Adds tangy sweetness; ensure it’s genuinely sugar-free to align with low-carb diets.
Garlic cloves – Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavors; for the best outcome, use fresh garlic.
Red chili flakes – Bring heat to the sauce; adjust the quantity to match your spice tolerance.
Water – Helps thin the sauce; no substitutions are necessary.

How to Make Low Carb, Sugar-Free General Tso Sauce

Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together the sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, low carb sweetener, hoisin sauce, sugar-free ketchup, one minced garlic clove, and red chili flakes. Stir well until everything is blended.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing the heat as needed. Allow it to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Before removing from heat, taste the sauce. Feel free to adjust sweetness or spice levels! Add more sweetener or chili flakes if desired to make it just right for your palate.
Use in Your Dish: Once the sauce is at your desired thickness, it’s ready to coat your chicken and veggies. Pour it over cooked chicken and broccoli, letting it simmer together for a few minutes to marry the flavors.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish your dish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve it hot and enjoy this guilt-free take on a classic!

Optional: Drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top for added richness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Low Carb General Tso’s Chicken are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its rich flavors. Additionally, you can chop the broccoli and marinate the chicken thighs (seasoned with salt and pepper) together overnight for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dish, simply sauté the chicken and broccoli, pour the pre-made sauce over, and simmer until everything is heated through and well combined. This way, you’ll have a tasty, healthier takeout option on the table with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Low Carb, Sugar-Free General Tso Sauce

Fridge: Store remaining sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure the container is sealed to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw as needed.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If desired, add a splash of water to restore consistency as you warm it up.

Using Leftovers: Leftover sauce is perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, shrimp, or stir-fried veggies, keeping mealtime exciting and low-carb!

Expert Tips for Low Carb, Sugar-Free General Tso Sauce

Quality Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor; they are key elements in this low carb sauce.
Thickening Secrets: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, let it simmer longer while stirring to achieve that glossy consistency without burning.
Taste as You Go: Always taste the sauce during cooking; adjusting sweetness and spice is essential to creating the perfect low carb, sugar-free General Tso sauce.
Multi-Purpose Use: Save any leftover sauce in the fridge to use on stir-fries or grilled proteins throughout the week for easy meal prep.
High-Temperature Caution: Avoid cooking the sauce at overly high temperatures, which can lead to burnt garlic and an off-putting flavor. Keep it gentle!

What to Serve with Low Carb General Tso’s Chicken?

Elevate your family dinner with enticing sides that bring out the deliciousness of this healthy Asian-inspired dish.

Cauliflower Rice: Light and fluffy, cauliflower rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.
Sautéed Bok Choy: Crisp and tender, this green vegetable adds freshness and a touch of sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
Garlic Green Beans: These seasoned beans offer a satisfying crunch and vibrant color, enhancing the overall appeal of your meal.

Enhancing your plate with colorful veggies transforms dinner into a feast for the senses. A good balance of textures and tastes ensures everyone leaves the table happy!

Spicy Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers with a kick of spice provide a cool contrast, making each bite of chicken even more scrumptious.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup with mushrooms and seaweed pairs perfectly, adding umami and a comforting embrace to your dinner.

With these delightful sides, your Low Carb General Tso’s Chicken will shine even brighter, turning any ordinary weeknight into a memorable culinary experience.

Variations & Substitutions for Low Carb, Sugar-Free General Tso Sauce

Get ready to put your own spin on this delightful dish! Explore these tasty variations that will take your flavors to the next level.

Dairy-Free: Swap out any added creaminess by using coconut cream for a rich texture without dairy.
Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or diced tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. Both will soak up the sauce beautifully!
Veggie Boost: Incorporate bell peppers or snap peas for added color and crunch. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce.
Heat Level: Increase the spice by adding fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha. Adjust to your heat comfort!
Sweetness: Use different sweeteners like erythritol or allulose for varying levels of sweetness that fit your tastebuds.
Nut-Free Sauce: Create your own hoisin with soy sauce, vinegar, and a bit of peanut butter replaced with sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly option.
Citrus Zest: Stir in a teaspoon of lime or orange zest for a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens the dish.
Whole30 Friendly: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it compliant with Whole30 diets while still delivering that umami kick.

Each variation invites you to express your culinary creativity while enjoying the delicious essence of this classic dish!

Low Carb General Tso’s Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using chicken thighs for this recipe, as they provide juiciness and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can be used, but be mindful that they can yield a drier result, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

How should I store the leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure the lid is secure to keep the dish fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave.

Can I freeze the sauce for later use?
Yes, indeed! For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays. Once fully frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw the cubes in the refrigerator overnight, or gently warm them in a saucepan.

What if the sauce isn’t thick enough?
Good question! If your sauce hasn’t thickened to your liking, simply let it simmer longer over low heat. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning. If you need it thicker, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then add this mixture to the sauce while stirring continuously. Let it cook for a couple more minutes until it thickens nicely!

Is this recipe suitable for someone with gluten allergies?
Very much so! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the low sodium soy sauce with tamari. Always check the labels to ensure that all your ingredients are gluten-free, especially for the hoisin sauce and any condiments used.

Can I add different vegetables to the dish?
The more the merrier! You can certainly incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even snow peas to add more texture and flavor to the dish. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so monitor them closely so they maintain their crunch!