Easy Keto Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: A Healthy Twist to Your Favorite Chinese Dish

Chinese cuisine is a favorite among many, with its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and mouth-watering dishes. One such dish that has won the hearts of many is Chicken Chow Mein. However, for those following a ketogenic diet, indulging in this delicious dish can be a challenge due to its high carbohydrate content. But what if we told you that you could enjoy this dish without compromising your diet? Yes, you heard it right! We bring you an easy keto chicken chow mein recipe that is not only delicious but also aligns with your dietary needs. This article will guide you through the recipe, its nutritional benefits, and some tips to make it even more keto-friendly.

Understanding the Ketogenic Diet

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what a ketogenic diet is. The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been linked to weight loss and several other health benefits. It drastically reduces carbohydrate intake and replaces it with fat, putting your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When this happens, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy.

However, following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favorite dishes. With some smart swaps and modifications, you can enjoy a variety of dishes, including the beloved chicken chow mein.

The Keto Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Now, let’s get to the exciting part – the recipe. This keto chicken chow mein recipe is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is packed with flavors. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 cup of shredded cabbage
1/2 cup of julienned carrots
1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons of sesame oil
2 large eggs, beaten
4 zucchini, spiralized into noodles
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the garlic, cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs and mix with the vegetables.
Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the noodles are tender.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir to combine. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

This recipe serves four and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Nutritional Benefits of the Keto Chicken Chow Mein

This keto chicken chow mein is not just a low-carb alternative to the traditional dish; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Here’s why this dish is good for you:

High in Protein

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. A single serving of this dish provides a substantial amount of your daily protein needs.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

The vegetables used in this recipe, such as cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, are rich in vitamins and minerals. They provide a good amount of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, among others.

Low in Carbohydrates

By replacing traditional noodles with zucchini noodles, this dish becomes a low-carb option suitable for a ketogenic diet. Zucchini is also a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.

Making the Dish More Keto-Friendly

While this recipe is already keto-friendly, there are a few tweaks you can make to ensure it fits perfectly into your ketogenic diet:

Use Tamari Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has fewer carbs.
Add More Fat: The ketogenic diet is high in fat. You can increase the fat content of this dish by adding more olive oil or sesame oil, or by topping it with some chopped nuts.
Include More Non-Starchy Vegetables: Non-starchy vegetables are low in carbs and high in fiber. You can add more vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cauliflower to this dish.

Conclusion

Following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite dishes. With some creativity and smart ingredient swaps, you can enjoy a variety of dishes, including this delicious and easy keto chicken chow mein. This dish is not only low in carbs but also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. So, the next time you crave some Chinese food, give this recipe a try!

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