Healthy Keto Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

A warm bowl of tender chicken coated in a sticky savory sauce over a soft keto friendly rice base is pure comfort and completely possible on a low carb lifestyle. This recipe keeps the sweetness and richness of classic sticky chicken while staying within your carb goals and comes together quickly in one pan. The glossy sauce delivers a sweet and gently spicy finish without sugar, and the rice substitute provides the same satisfying texture as traditional rice. It is simple, flexible, and easy to customize with different vegetables, spice levels, or proteins, making it a dish you will want to enjoy again and again.

Ingredients for Needed

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 3 tablespoons low carb brown sweetener packed
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar free ketchup
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for thickening

For the Keto Rice Base

• 4 cups riced cauliflower fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Thin cucumber slices
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken in an even layer and let it cook without stirring for one minute to develop color. Stir and continue cooking for six to eight minutes until lightly browned on all sides. It does not need to be fully cooked yet because it will finish in the sauce.

Mixing the Sticky Sauce

In a medium bowl mix the coconut aminos, low carb brown sweetener, apple cider vinegar, sugar free ketchup, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken broth and whisk until the sweetener dissolves. The sauce will look thin, but it will thicken into a glossy sticky glaze once heated with the xanthan gum.

Adding the Sauce to the Pan

Pour the sauce over the browned chicken and stir to coat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for four minutes. When it begins to bubble, sprinkle in the xanthan gum and stir for about one minute until the sauce thickens. If it becomes too thick, add a little chicken broth. Let it simmer for another three minutes so the flavors blend and the chicken becomes tender.

Preparing the Keto Rice

While the chicken simmers, heat a second skillet over medium heat and melt the butter or olive oil. Add the riced cauliflower and stir to coat. Season with salt and garlic powder, then cook for six to eight minutes until tender but not mushy. Aim for a fluffy rice like texture, and if using frozen cauliflower rice, drain any excess moisture as it cooks.

Building the Bowls

Divide the cauliflower rice into four bowls and top with the sticky chicken. Add extra sauce if you like. Finish with your favorite toppings such as green onions, sesame seeds, cucumbers, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for freshness.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This dish is very easy to customize. For a sweeter sauce, add a little more low carb brown sweetener. For extra heat, increase the red pepper or add a sugar free hot sauce. You can deepen the flavor with a bit of rice vinegar or fish sauce. The protein is flexible too. Use chicken breasts, shrimp, or even pan seared tofu for a vegetarian option. Add any low carb vegetables you like such as mushrooms, zucchini, cabbage, or roasted broccoli. You can also adjust the sauce thickness by using more or less xanthan gum. A small amount changes the texture quickly, so start with a little and add more only if needed.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this bowl provides about four hundred twenty calories along with thirty five grams of protein, twenty eight grams of total fat, nine grams of carbohydrates, three grams of fiber, and six grams of net carbs. These numbers may vary slightly based on the vegetables you choose and the brands of ingredients you use, but the meal remains comfortably within low carb and keto friendly guidelines.

Serving Suggestions

This meal is delicious on its own, with the sweet savory chicken and warm cauliflower rice creating a comforting balance. For simple sides, try a cool cucumber salad or a light broth such as chicken or mild miso which pairs well with the rich sauce. If serving guests, a platter of raw vegetables with a creamy dip adds variety without extra carbs. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. Reheat gently and store the chicken and cauliflower rice separately to avoid excess moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions