Healthy Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This healthy sesame chicken is a guilt-free alternative to the restaurant version. It’s pan-seared instead of deep-fried, uses a naturally sweetened sauce, and is packed with lean protein. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re following a clean-eating plan or just want a wholesome meal that tastes amazing, this dish fits the bill.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for light coating)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• Honey or maple syrup
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Toasted sesame oil
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Lightly toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. While the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce into the skillet and toss to coat.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
8. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap honey with maple syrup or a sugar-free alternative for a different level of sweetness.
• Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha in the sauce.
• Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
For best texture, avoid freezing as the sauce may separate and the chicken can become rubbery.

FAQs

Is healthy sesame chicken gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then toss with the sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but the sauce won’t stick as well. Sauté briefly to reheat before adding the sauce.

What’s a good substitute for sesame oil?

You can use a neutral oil, but sesame oil gives the signature nutty flavor.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water and stir until thickened.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, especially when served without rice or with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely—add chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or sriracha to the sauce.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless skinless thighs are juicier, but breasts work great for a leaner option.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it—remove from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! If you like extra sauce for drizzling, simply double the sauce ingredients.

Conclusion

Healthy Sesame Chicken is a fast, flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone craving takeout without the extra calories or processed ingredients. With simple pantry staples and wholesome cooking methods, this recipe makes clean eating both easy and delicious. It’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Healthy Sesame Chicken

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Healthy Sesame Chicken is a lighter version of the classic takeout dish, made with lean chicken, a naturally sweetened savory sauce, and no deep frying. Quick, nutritious, and full of flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Lightly toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch or arrowroot powder until evenly coated.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. While the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl.
5. Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the sauce into the skillet and toss to coat.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
8. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Swap honey with maple syrup or sugar-free sweetener for variation.
• Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up with sriracha or red pepper flakes.
• Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg