Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Healthy Sesame Chicken Delight that brings the beloved takeout classic right to your kitchen—minus the excess oil and sugar. This lightened-up version delivers all the sweet, savory, and nutty flavors you crave while keeping nutrition in check.
What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sesame sauce that’s just the right consistency—not too thick, not too thin. It’s a family-pleasing dish that comes together in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without the guilt of ordering in.
Why You’ll Love This
- Healthier alternative to takeout with less oil, sugar, and sodium while maintaining authentic flavor
- Quick 45-minute preparation from start to finish—perfect for weeknight cooking
- Versatile recipe that works with chicken breast or thighs based on your preference
- Kid-friendly flavor profile that still satisfies adult palates
- Excellent meal prep option that reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice of one lime)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cook white rice and green beans according to package directions.
- Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add chicken to the pan and sauté until browned on all sides, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the hot pan (do not clean the pan beforehand), cooking over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until it starts to bubble and thicken. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and coat it thoroughly with the sauce.
- Serve sesame chicken over cooked white rice and green beans. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein and fiber, add ½ cup edamame during the last minute of cooking
- Substitute chicken with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian version—just press the tofu well before cooking
- Add a touch of heat with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon sriracha
- For meal prep, store in airtight containers for up to 4 days—the flavors actually improve overnight
- Try using arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a grain-free alternative
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of brown rice
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to create a complete, balanced meal. The sauce is flavorful enough to make plain vegetables exciting, while the nutty brown rice provides the perfect base to soak it all up.
For a dinner party presentation, serve family-style on a large platter surrounded by steamed vegetables and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. Add a side of quick-pickled cucumber salad with rice vinegar and a touch of honey for a refreshing contrast.
Notes
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shows no pink in the center
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly thin when hot
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- For best results when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay more tender during cooking. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take 1-2 minutes longer.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce, and verify your cornstarch is processed in a gluten-free facility.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be mixed (without the cornstarch) up to 3 days in advance. Add the cornstarch just before cooking to prevent it from breaking down.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sugar?
You can reduce the honey to 1-2 tablespoons or substitute with a natural sweetener like monk fruit. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
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