Healthy Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe uses simple, nutritious ingredients to create the sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors of traditional sesame chicken without the excess sugar or oil. It’s quick to make, kid-friendly, and great for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

ingredients

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

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• 2 green onions, sliced

directions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.

4. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

6. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free version.

• Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables.

• Use maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweeteners.

• Toss with cooked quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

• Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of cooking on the stove?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes and toss with sauce afterward.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegan sweeteners.

How sticky is the sauce?

The sauce is glossy and coats the chicken nicely without being overly thick.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir in steamed or sautéed veggies before serving.

Can I use chicken tenders?

Yes, they cook quickly and are ideal for bite-sized pieces.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Cook chicken and sauce separately; combine when reheating.

How do I prevent sauce from getting too thick?

Add a splash of water or broth to thin it as needed.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, mild sweetness and familiar flavors appeal to kids.

Conclusion

Healthy Sesame Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious take on a beloved classic. With its simple ingredients and balanced sauce, it’s perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that satisfies cravings while keeping things light and healthy.

Healthy Sesame Chicken

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Healthy Sesame Chicken is a lighter take on the classic favorite, featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sesame sauce made with wholesome ingredients. This dish is easy to prepare, packed with protein, and perfect served over rice or steamed vegetables.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
   
   2 tablespoons sesame oil
   
   3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
   
   2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
   
   2 cloves garlic, minced
   
   1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
   
   1 tablespoon rice vinegar
   
   1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
   
   1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
   
   2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

1. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
5. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

1. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free version.
2. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables.
3. Use maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweeteners.
4. Toss with cooked quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.
5. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
6. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: Approx. 400 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg