Healthy Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Sesame Chicken brings all the bold flavors you love—sweet, salty, and nutty sesame goodness—without the extra oil or calories. It’s easy to make in one pan, perfect for weeknight dinners, and much healthier than traditional fried versions. With clean ingredients and no refined sugar, it’s a great alternative for anyone watching their diet but still craving takeout-style comfort food.

Ingredients

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

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
cornstarch or arrowroot powder
low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
honey or maple syrup
rice vinegar
toasted sesame oil
garlic cloves
fresh ginger
water
olive oil or avocado oil
toasted sesame seeds
green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them in cornstarch to lightly coat.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
4. While the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water in a small bowl to make the sauce.
5. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat.
6. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
8. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or with stir-fried vegetables.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking time.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
• No Honey?: Use maple syrup or date syrup as a natural sweetener.
• Add Veggies: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For freezer storage, allow the dish to cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and offer a juicier texture. Just adjust cooking time slightly.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed, or let it simmer longer to reduce naturally.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, it’s completely gluten-free.

What can I serve with sesame chicken?

Steamed rice, quinoa, brown rice, or stir-fried vegetables are all excellent pairings.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, store them separately, and combine when ready to reheat and serve.

How do I make it sugar-free?

Use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia, adjusting to taste.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then toss in the sauce on the stovetop.

What oil is best for cooking the chicken?

Olive oil or avocado oil are healthy options with high smoke points suitable for pan-searing.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. If you like extra sauce for rice or veggies, double the sauce ingredients without changing the rest.

How do I add more vegetables to this dish?

Sauté veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers in the same skillet before adding the sauce, or steam separately and mix in.

Conclusion

Healthy Sesame Chicken is a quick, clean, and flavorful alternative to takeout that’s easy to make at home. With a glossy, naturally sweetened sesame sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, this dish proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for the family, this satisfying recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Healthy Sesame Chicken

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Healthy Sesame Chicken is a lightened-up version of the classic takeout dish, featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a naturally sweetened sesame sauce without deep frying. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• 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

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with cornstarch to lightly coat.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water.
5. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
8. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Double the sauce if serving with rice or veggies.
• Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
• Add sautéed or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Bake the chicken instead of pan-frying for an even lighter option.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg