Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of my kitchen transforms into a bustling Asian bistro as I whip up Healthy Sesame Chicken, a dish that offers all the flavorful indulgence of takeout without the guilt. Within just 25 minutes, you can create this gluten-free, low-carb feast that’s packed with protein and perfect for anyone dodging fast food. With a harmonious balance of savory sesame sauce and tender chicken, this recipe beautifully satisfies cravings while keeping your wellness goals intact. What’s even better? It can easily adapt to whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a flexible option for busy weeknights. Curious about how to turn your ordinary dinner into a culinary delight that feels like a gourmet experience? Let’s dive into this delicious journey together! Why is Healthy Sesame Chicken a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: Enjoy a homemade meal in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights! Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe uses simpler, healthier components, ensuring only the best for your family. Flavorful Sauce: The combination of savory sesame and sweet honey creates a rich, satisfying taste that rivals takeout. Versatile Veggies: Feel free to customize with any seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, making it even more exciting! Gluten-Free & Low-Carb: Ideal for health-conscious eaters, this dish is a guilt-free choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Don’t forget to check out my Lollipop Chicken Legs for another delicious take on chicken that will win over your dinner guests! Sesame Chicken Ingredients • Discover the wholesome goodness in this guilt-free dish! For the Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Main protein source; substitute with chicken thighs for juicier meat. For the Sauce Coconut Aminos – Adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor; swap with low-sodium soy sauce if unavailable. Honey – Provides natural sweetness; maple syrup makes a great vegan alternative. Toasted Sesame Oil – Essential for the authentic sesame flavor; do not substitute with regular sesame oil. Ground Ginger – Gives aromatic spice; use dried ginger (1/2 teaspoon) if fresh isn’t available. Minced Garlic – Deepens the flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Rice Vinegar – Contributes acidity; can be swapped with an extra splash of coconut aminos. Black Pepper – Adds necessary seasoning for balance. Lime Zest and Juice – Infuses freshness; omit for a milder flavor. For the Garnish and Sides Sesame Seeds – Garnish for texture; sprinkle generously for visual appeal. Cooked Green Beans – A delightful side vegetable; substitute with broccoli or other favorites. Cooked Rice – Base for serving; consider white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. With these ingredients, your Healthy Sesame Chicken will truly shine, bringing the taste of takeout right to your home in a healthier form! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Healthy Sesame Chicken Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Begin by cutting boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking. While doing this, cook your rice and green beans according to the package instructions, so they’ll be ready to serve when the Healthy Sesame Chicken is complete. Step 2: Cook Chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the cubed chicken, cooking for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect juiciness. Step 3: Make Sauce While the chicken is cooking, create the sauce by whisking together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl. This flavorful mixture will provide the perfect sweet-savory balance for your Healthy Sesame Chicken. Step 4: Combine Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Pour the prepared sauce into the hot skillet, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until it bubbles and thickens slightly—keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Step 5: Finish Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it thoroughly in the bubbling sauce. Heat for an additional minute until the chicken is well combined with the sauce, ensuring every piece is glazed with that delicious sesame flavor. Step 6: Serve Plate your Healthy Sesame Chicken over a mound of rice and accompany it with the cooked green beans. For a delightful finishing touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal. Enjoy your homemade meal that rivals any takeout! Sesame Chicken Variations & Substitutions Explore delightful twists for your Healthy Sesame Chicken that will excite your taste buds and fit your dietary needs! Chicken Thighs: Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier flavor that enhances tenderness. Tofu Alternative: For a vegetarian dish, swap the chicken with cubed, firm tofu. Just sauté until golden for a protein-packed alternative. Veggie Medley: Use your favorite seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or bok choy to brighten up the dish and add texture. Sweetness Adjustments: Modify sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey or using agave syrup as a vegan option. Coconut Aminos Switch: If coconut aminos aren’t on hand, a low-sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos can work perfectly without losing flavor. Sautéed Sesame Oil: Try adding a touch of chili oil for a warm heat that elevates the dish’s complexity and tantalizes your palate. Whole Grain Base: Instead of white rice, serve over quinoa or brown rice to boost fiber content while keeping the meal hearty and satisfying. Nutty Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like cashews or almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the sesame seeds beautifully. For more scrumptious chicken ideas, don’t miss trying my Lollipop Chicken Legs for a fun and flavorful addition to your dinner table! How to Store and Freeze Healthy Sesame Chicken Refrigerator: Store any leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Avoid Freezing Sauce Separately: If possible, freeze the chicken and sauce together to retain the best texture and flavor when reheating. Make Ahead Options These Healthy Sesame Chicken preparations are ideal for busy weeknights and make meal prep a breeze! You can cut the chicken into cubes and marinate it in the sauce (coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, and spices) up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavor. Additionally, you can cook the rice and green beans ahead of time and simply refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the rice and green beans, sauté the marinated chicken until cooked through, and combine it with the sauce in a hot skillet for that fresh flavor, ensuring dinner comes together in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll enjoy the same deliciously healthy meal with far less effort! What to Serve with Healthy Sesame Chicken Elevate your Healthy Sesame Chicken experience with delightful pairings that create a memorable meal, pleasing every palate. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, jasmine rice absorbs the savory sesame sauce beautifully, providing an irresistible base for your dish. Garlic-Infused Quinoa: A nutty alternative to rice, quinoa adds protein and texture, making your meal heartier while keeping it healthy. Crispy Roasted Broccoli: The earthy flavor and crispy edges of roasted broccoli bring a satisfying crunch that perfectly balances the tender chicken. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb twist, spiralized zucchini makes a fresh, light bed for the sesame chicken, enhancing the dish’s vibrant essence. Chinese Cabbage Slaw: A crisp, zesty slaw with a touch of sesame oil offers a refreshing contrast, brightening every bite of the hearty chicken. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the meal, introducing a comforting umami flavor that sets the right tone for your dinner. Sesame-Ginger Dressing Salad: Toss together a simple salad drizzled with sesame-ginger dressing for a zesty counterpoint to the flavors in the chicken, adding a fresh element. Chilled Green Tea: The subtle taste of chilled green tea refreshes the palate while echoing the Asian-inspired flavors of your Healthy Sesame Chicken. Mango Coconut Sorbet: Finish your meal with a light and tropical mango coconut sorbet, cleansing the palate and providing a sweet, enjoyable contrast to the savory dish. Tips for the Best Healthy Sesame Chicken Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts for maximum juiciness. This will enhance the overall flavor of your sesame chicken. Oil Temperature: Ensure your avocado oil is hot before adding chicken. This helps achieve a golden-brown sear, bringing out delicious flavors for your dish. Sauce Timing: For the best results, pay close attention to the sauce. If it doesn’t thicken quickly, lower the heat to prevent burning while developing a rich texture. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger and garlic where possible for a more vibrant flavor. Dried alternatives may lack the same depth that elevates your sesame chicken. Veggie Variety: Don’t hesitate to mix in seasonal veggies! They add nutrition and color, making your healthy sesame chicken even more appealing. Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for Healthy Sesame Chicken? Absolutely! For the juiciest results, I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs also work wonderfully if you prefer a richer flavor and a bit more tenderness. Just remember to adjust your cooking time slightly as thighs may take a couple more minutes to reach that perfect doneness. How should I store leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken? You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing the container to keep your chicken fresh and tasty. When reheating, simply warm it gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Can I freeze Healthy Sesame Chicken? Yes, you can! For freezing, make sure to place your Healthy Sesame Chicken in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag, where it can last for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed for the best results. What if my sauce doesn’t thicken? Very common! If your sauce is taking longer to thicken than expected, lower the heat and allow it to simmer gently. This extra time will help concentrate the flavors. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to help it thicken up nicely. Just add it while the sauce is bubbling! Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe? Absolutely! Healthy Sesame Chicken is gluten-free, especially when using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you have any specific dietary needs or allergies, you can make easy substitutions. For example, use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option, or swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Be sure to check all labels if you’re concerned about specific ingredients. How do I know the chicken is cooked properly? For perfectly cooked chicken, you’ll want to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The easiest way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside. Enjoy the succulent flavors of your Healthy Sesame Chicken! Healthy Sesame Chicken: Guilt-Free Dinner in Just 25 Min A guilt-free, protein-packed Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe that takes just 25 minutes to prepare and satisfies cravings without compromising wellness. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AsianCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with chicken thighs for juicier meat.For the Sauce1/4 cup Coconut Aminos Swap with low-sodium soy sauce if unavailable.2 tablespoons Honey Maple syrup makes a great vegan alternative.2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil Do not substitute with regular sesame oil.1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Use dried ginger (1/2 teaspoon) if fresh isn't available.2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Can be swapped with an extra splash of coconut aminos.1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds necessary seasoning for balance.1 teaspoon Lime Zest Omit for a milder flavor.1 tablespoon Lime Juice Omit for a milder flavor.For the Garnish and Sides2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds Sprinkle generously for visual appeal.2 cups Cooked Green Beans Substitute with broccoli or other favorites.2 cups Cooked Rice Consider white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Equipment Large SkilletWhiskCutting boardKnife Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Healthy Sesame ChickenBegin by cutting boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and cook rice and green beans according to package instructions.Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, cooking for 10-12 minutes, stirring until golden brown and fully cooked.Whisk together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl.Remove the chicken from the pan, pour the sauce into the hot skillet, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until it bubbles and thickens slightly.Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat thoroughly in the sauce, and heat for an additional minute.Plate Healthy Sesame Chicken over rice and accompany with green beans. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and enjoy! Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesUse fresh ingredients for better flavor. Customize with seasonal vegetables for added nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
