From above, the vibrant golden strands of squash noodles are glistening from the chili garlic sauce, creating a warm autumn canvas. On it rest succulent pieces of chicken, garnished ambitiously with verdant cilantro leaves and chili slices. A lemon wedge on the side is waiting to be squeezed over everything, and a pair of chopsticks lay invitingly by the side.

Keto Vietnamese Spiced Chicken with Squash Noodles

Category Main Course
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 50 minutes
Style Fusion
Technique Roasting
Diet Friendly Keto

Daily Recipe: October 11, 2024

Immerse yourselves in the fusion of seasonal warmth and unique inspiration from the East. Starring the tender, juicy chicken thighs, complemented by the beautiful and golden spaghetti squash and nuanced by the aromatic, spicy Vietnamese chilli garlic sauce, this dish is a Keto-friendly twist on a Vietnamese classic.

Ingredients (for 2)

Preparation

  1. Step 1 - πŸ”₯🌑️⏱️
    Preheat your oven to 400Β°F.
  2. Step 2 - πŸ”ͺπŸπŸŽƒ
    Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, place face down on a baking sheet, and roast for ~40 minutes.
  3. Step 3 - πŸ—πŸΆπŸŒΆοΈ
    Marinate the chicken thighs in chili garlic sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, and the remaining olive oil. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4 - πŸ³πŸ”πŸ½οΈ
    Cook the marinated chicken thighs on medium heat for 7-8 minutes on each side, rest them for a few minutes then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Step 5 - 🍴🍝⏲️
    Once the squash is done, use a fork to pull its flesh into strands.
  6. Step 6 - πŸ”ͺπŸŒΆοΈπŸ‹
    Place the squash strands on the plate, top with cooked chicken. Garnish the dish with fresh chili slices and cilantro. Serve with a lemon wedge.

Additional

You can tweak the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce according to your preference. Kids can help with pulling apart the squash noodles. While the dish owes its essence to Vietnamese cuisine, it's been creatively adapted to meet keto needs. Enjoy crafting this interesting fusion!