Flavorful Sesame Chicken

This healthy sesame chicken transforms a classic takeout dish into a nutritious homemade meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. The sticky sweet sauce coats tender chicken pieces perfectly while keeping the dish light and packed with protein.

I created this recipe after trying to find healthier alternatives to our family's favorite takeout dishes. My kids were skeptical at first but now they request this sesame chicken almost weekly rather than asking for delivery.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: these stay tender when cubed and cook quickly for a fast meal
• Coconut aminos: provides the umami flavor without the sodium of traditional soy sauce
• Honey: adds natural sweetness without refined sugar
• Toasted sesame oil: gives that authentic nutty flavor essential for sesame chicken
• Fresh garlic: provides aromatic depth to the sauce
• Rice vinegar: balances the sweetness with subtle acidity
• Lime juice and zest: adds brightness and complexity to the sauce
• Sesame seeds: provides the signature crunch and visual appeal
• Green beans: adds color and nutrition to complete the meal
• White rice: perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce

How To Make Healthy Sesame Chicken

Prepare the ingredients:

Cut chicken into 1inch cubes ensuring they're uniform in size for even cooking. This is also when I recommend cooking your rice and preparing any vegetables you plan to serve alongside.

Cook the chicken:

Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer giving them space to brown properly. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes turning occasionally until golden on all sides and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

Make the sauce:

While the chicken cooks whisk together coconut aminos honey sesame oil ginger garlic rice vinegar black pepper lime zest and lime juice in a small bowl. The sauce will seem thin at first but will thicken beautifully when cooked.

Thicken the sauce:

Once chicken is cooked remove it from the pan and set aside. Pour the sauce mixture into the hot pan taking advantage of the flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken. Let it bubble and reduce for 3 to 5 minutes stirring constantly as it thickens. The sauce will coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Combine and finish:

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the thickened sauce. Make sure every piece gets covered in that sticky delicious glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds just before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

The lime zest is my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I was out of traditional ingredients and needed to improvise. That bright citrus note completely transforms the sauce and lifts the entire dish to a new level of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

This sesame chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days making it perfect for meal prep. Store the chicken sauce mixture separately from rice and vegetables for best results. When reheating add a small splash of water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. The flavors actually develop overnight making leftovers sometimes even better than the original meal.

Easy Substitutions

Dont worry if you dont have every ingredient on hand. This recipe is flexible and works well with numerous substitutions. Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for a juicier result. If coconut aminos arent available low sodium soy sauce works well though the dish will no longer be gluten free. For vegetables try broccoli snow peas or bell peppers instead of green beans. Brown rice or cauliflower rice make excellent lower carb alternatives to white rice.

Serving Suggestions

While this sesame chicken is delicious served simply over rice consider creating a build your own bowl experience for family dinner. Set out the sesame chicken alongside steamed rice various vegetables like edamame shredded carrots and cucumber slices plus additional toppings like sliced green onions crushed peanuts and extra sesame seeds. Everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like it which is especially helpful for picky eaters.

This recipe transforms a typically heavy takeout favorite into a nutritious homemade meal without sacrificing flavor. The perfect balance of sweet sticky sauce with tender chicken and crunchy sesame seeds creates a restaurant quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this dish. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier than breasts, though they contain slightly more fat.

→ What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

Low-sodium soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos make excellent substitutes for coconut aminos. Just note that soy sauce contains gluten, so it's not suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

To add heat, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a thinly sliced fresh chili into the sauce mixture before cooking.

→ What vegetables pair well with sesame chicken?

While green beans are suggested, broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, bok choy, or a stir-fry vegetable medley all complement the flavors beautifully.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The chicken and sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until just warm to avoid overcooking the chicken.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Press the tofu first to remove excess moisture, then cube and pan-fry until golden before adding the sauce.