Low-Carb Sticky Sauce Chicken

These Keto Sticky Chicken Thighs are low-carb and keto-friendly with only 4.2 grams of net carbs per serving. And they’re nut-free too!

This Low Carb Sticky Sauce Chicken recipe includes ingredients like chicken thighs, coconut aminos, and fish sauce to yield a delicious, hearty meal in less than 30 minutes.

In fact, it’s so good that you’ll forget about those other high-carb sauces made with sugar or corn syrup. What makes this recipe even better? You’ll only need straightforward ingredients, and they’re all easy to find at your local grocery store.

Why you’ll love this sticky garlic chicken thighs recipe

• If you love easy cleanup (let’s be real, who doesn’t?!), this recipe can be made in one skillet from start to finish!
• Kid & Adult-friendly! Both kids and adults love this chicken recipe!
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• A real crowd-pleaser with only 4.2g net carbs per serving
• Nut-free, keto-friendly, and dairy-free

Equipment needed to make this recipe

• Large pan
• Knife- for cutting chicken
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Reserve plate
• Serving dish
• Serving spoon

Ingredients for your sweet garlic sticky chicken

How to make sticky chicken

Chicken: In a large pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add cubed chicken thighs and cook until outside is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, flipping once, about 5 minutes on each side.

Sticky Sauce: While chicken cooks, prepare sauce by mixing together coconut aminos, fish sauce, monk fruit sweetener, garlic powder, ginger, and pepper.

Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Reduce stovetop heat to medium-low then, using a wooden spoon, scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Pour in sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir in xanthan gum until a sauce forms.

Final Steps: Transfer cooked chicken back to pan. Stir to coat chicken in sauce before removing pan from heat.

Serve alongside or on top of your choice of vegetable and, optionally, garnish with freshly-cracked pepper, sesame seeds, and fresh parsley before serving.

Ingredient substitutions

• Avocado Oil: You can substitute olive oil at a 1:1 ratio for avocado oil.
• Chicken Thighs: Chicken breast can be subbed in here at a 1:1 ratio.
• Coconut Aminos: You can use soy sauce or liquid aminos if you don’t have coconut aminos. Note that these products both contain soy and most soy sauces contain gluten.
• Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener: Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener can be used here and subbed in at a 1:1 ratio.
• Xanthan Gum: Glucomannan powder can be used in place of xanthan gum at a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, you can altogether omit this ingredient, but note that the sauce won’t be as thick as the original recipe intended.

Keep in mind any changes you make to this recipe will modify the total net carbs.

Sticky chicken FAQs

Is keto sweet sticky chicken gluten-free?

Yes, so long as you use the ingredients that are linked in the recipe card, the recipe will be gluten-free. If you use different products, just be sure to check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free if you do not eat gluten, especially if you decide to use soy sauce instead of coconut aminos.

I don’t like chicken thighs. Can I substitute chicken breast instead?

Yes, chicken breast will be a great alternative to chicken thighs. Keep in mind that nutritional values will change slightly if switching up the recipe.

Where can I purchase monk fruit sweetener?

This recipe uses Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener. I purchase mine from Lakanto and have it delivered. If you want to do this, you can use discount code REALBALANCED at checkout for 20% OFF your Lakanto order.

If you’d rather purchase monk fruit sweetener in a store, many grocery stores, especially specialty stores and Costco, carry Lakanto’s monk fruit sweetener.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Sticky garlic chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so making a day ahead of time will add extra flavor to the chicken thighs.

What should I serve with sweet sticky chicken thighs recipe?

Serve alongside or atop vegetable of choice – my preference is steamed broccoli florets. Buttery roasted cauliflower, zucchini noodles, and cauliflower mash are other great options!

For a dessert to enjoy after dinner, try these keto-friendly and nut-free snowball cookies.

How do I store sticky chicken?

In an airtight container, store leftover keto sticky chicken thighs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can you reheat leftovers?

Yes, you can! Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook for about 15 minutes or until warmed all the way through. You can also microwave your cooked leftovers until warmed throughout.