Sesame chicken is one of those irresistible dishes, traditionally a deep-fried indulgence with a sticky-sweet glaze. This lightened-up version, however, keeps all the mouthwatering flavors of your favorite sesame chicken without the heaviness. Each bite of tender chicken is coated in a tangy-sweet glaze, with a hint of nutty sesame flavor, creating a delightful combination. Plus, this healthy twist makes it easier to enjoy regularly, fitting seamlessly into a balanced diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Healthy Sesame Chicken is perfect if you’re looking for a dish that’s delicious, nutritious, and simple to prepare. It has a quick cooking time, a gorgeous balance of sweet and savory flavors, and a lovely crunch from the sesame seeds. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and pantry-friendly. You’ll have a meal that looks impressive and tastes incredible, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking up a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – for a rich umami flavor
- 2 tbsp honey – adds a natural sweetness to balance the tang
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – gives a slight acidity that brightens the glaze
- 1 tbsp sesame oil – adds the signature sesame flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for cooking the chicken to golden perfection
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – brings depth to the sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated – a warm, slightly spicy note
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for coating) – adds a light crisp texture
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds – for a nutty crunch and aesthetic garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish) – adds freshness and color
How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This sauce combines sweet, salty, and tangy notes, creating that irresistible glaze you’ll pour over the chicken later. Once mixed, set it aside while you cook the chicken.
Step 2: Coat and Cook the Chicken
To give the chicken a lightly crisped exterior, toss the bite-sized pieces in cornstarch. This step is optional but gives a bit of texture to the dish. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning to ensure each side turns golden brown and the inside is cooked through.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Once the chicken is golden brown, add the minced garlic and grated ginger directly to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute, until you can smell that warm, fragrant aroma of ginger and garlic. This will layer in extra flavor right into the chicken.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer on low for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to each piece of chicken. As it thickens, the glaze becomes glossy and irresistibly sticky.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top of the chicken. Garnish with fresh green onions, adding a bit of crunch and a pop of color. Serve your Healthy Sesame Chicken over steamed veggies or alongside brown rice for a balanced meal.
Helpful Tips
- Extra Crunch: Try adding steamed broccoli or snap peas at the end to incorporate more veggies and an added crunch.
- Honey Swap: Maple syrup can be a delicious alternative to honey, adding a slightly different depth of natural sweetness.
- Storage Tip: This dish is excellent for meal prepping! Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low-Sugar, Dairy-Free
Notes
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat with your sesame chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approx. 400 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well and add a bit more moisture. The cooking time may increase slightly.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Brown rice, quinoa, or a side of steamed veggies like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots pair wonderfully with sesame chicken.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, like tamari or coconut aminos, for a gluten-free meal.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much. This dish also freezes well; simply place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Healthy Sesame Chicken, you’ll love these other flavorful, lightened-up favorites:
Conclusion
This Healthy Sesame Chicken is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish without any guilt. Packed with flavor, quick to prepare, and bursting with nutrients, it’s sure to be a new favorite in your weekly meal rotation. So gather up your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll be savoring every bite, guaranteed! Enjoy!
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Healthy Sesame Chicken
Description
Sesame chicken is one of those irresistible dishes, traditionally a deep-fried indulgence with a sticky-sweet glaze. This lightened-up version, however, keeps all the mouthwatering flavors of your favorite sesame chicken without the heaviness. Each bite of tender chicken is coated in a tangy-sweet glaze, with a hint of nutty sesame flavor, creating a delightful combination. Plus, this healthy twist makes it easier to enjoy regularly, fitting seamlessly into a balanced diet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – for a rich umami flavor
- 2 tbsp honey – adds a natural sweetness to balance the tang
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – gives a slight acidity that brightens the glaze
- 1 tbsp sesame oil – adds the signature sesame flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for cooking the chicken to golden perfection
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – brings depth to the sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated – a warm, slightly spicy note
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for coating) – adds a light crisp texture
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds – for a nutty crunch and aesthetic garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish) – adds freshness and color
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This sauce combines sweet, salty, and tangy notes, creating that irresistible glaze you’ll pour over the chicken later. Once mixed, set it aside while you cook the chicken.
Step 2: Coat and Cook the Chicken
To give the chicken a lightly crisped exterior, toss the bite-sized pieces in cornstarch. This step is optional but gives a bit of texture to the dish. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning to ensure each side turns golden brown and the inside is cooked through.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Once the chicken is golden brown, add the minced garlic and grated ginger directly to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute, until you can smell that warm, fragrant aroma of ginger and garlic. This will layer in extra flavor right into the chicken.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer on low for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to each piece of chicken. As it thickens, the glaze becomes glossy and irresistibly sticky.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top of the chicken. Garnish with fresh green onions, adding a bit of crunch and a pop of color. Serve your Healthy Sesame Chicken over steamed veggies or alongside brown rice for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat with your sesame chicken.