Name: Healthy Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1-inch cubes; 1/2 tbsp avocado oil; 1/4 cup coconut aminos; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp lime zest; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish; 2 cups cooked green beans, for serving; 1 cup cooked white rice, for serving

Healthy Sesame Chicken has long been a beloved staple on takeout menus across the globe, a dish synonymous with comforting, flavorful dining.

What if I told you that you could capture all that iconic flavor—the tender chicken, the aromatic sesame, the perfect balance of sweet and tangy—without the guilt?

This culinary masterpiece, while inspired by traditional Chinese flavors, truly blossomed within American Chinese cuisine, becoming one of its most celebrated adaptations. It’s a testament to how culinary traditions evolve, creating dishes that resonate deeply with local tastes. People adore sesame chicken not just for its comforting familiarity, but for its incredibly satisfying taste profile: the crunch of the sesame seeds, the succulent pieces of chicken, and that unbelievably craveable sauce that coats every bite.

My goal is to empower you to recreate this sensation right in your own kitchen, transforming a takeout fantasy into a wholesome reality. Forget heavy frying and excessive sugar; we’re embracing lighter techniques and fresh ingredients to deliver an equally robust experience. Prepare to indulge in a dish that’s not only incredibly delicious but also thoughtfully prepared. This recipe for Healthy Sesame Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a mindful celebration of flavor that promises to become a regular star in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Healthy Sesame Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, ideally organic and free-range, cut into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. I find thighs offer a wonderfully tender and juicy result, while breasts are excellent for a leaner take on our Healthy Sesame Chicken.
For the Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option). Opting for low-sodium helps us control the overall salt content, contributing to the “healthy” aspect.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. This adds a lovely, subtle tang that helps tenderize the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Just a touch adds an incredible aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated. Fresh ginger provides a vibrant, zesty kick that complements the sesame beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is a foundational flavor, essential for any good Asian-inspired dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder. This acts as a binder, helping the marinade cling to the chicken and providing a light, tender coating when cooked.
For the Healthy Sesame Chicken Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners offer a healthier alternative to refined sugars, giving our sauce its signature sticky glaze.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for a touch of heat). Adjust to your preference!
- ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred). This helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder, dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water (this is our “slurry” for thickening).
For the Coating (optional, but highly recommended for crispiness):
- ¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder. This extra dusting provides an incredibly crispy exterior once seared, a key element for a truly satisfying Healthy Sesame Chicken.
- Pinch of salt and pepper.
For Cooking and Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high smoke point oil (like grapeseed or canola oil). Avoid olive oil for high-heat cooking here.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish.
- Fresh green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish.
- Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for serving.
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots (optional, but highly encouraged for a complete, healthy meal).

Phase 1: Preparing the Chicken and Marinade for Your Healthy Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pieces for Marination.

First, let’s get our chicken ready. Take your 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and place them on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistency here; uniform pieces ensure that every bite cooks evenly and absorbs the marinade perfectly. This is a crucial first step for our Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe, ensuring tenderness throughout. Once cut, transfer the chicken pieces to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade Ingredients.

In a separate, smaller bowl, it’s time to create our flavor-packed marinade. Combine 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari if you’re going gluten-free), 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Next, add the aromatics: 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic. I always find that grating fresh ginger truly unlocks its potent, zesty flavor, far surpassing pre-packaged options. Finish with ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Give these ingredients a good whisk until they are thoroughly combined. The aroma should already be starting to build!

Step 3: Combine Chicken with Marinade and Let It Rest.

Now, pour this fragrant marinade over the prepared chicken pieces in the medium mixing bowl. Using a spoon or your clean hands, gently toss the chicken, ensuring every single piece is well-coated. This is where the magic begins, as the chicken starts to absorb all those wonderful flavors. After coating, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the chicken and toss again. The cornstarch helps to create a very light, almost imperceptible coating that not only protects the chicken from drying out during cooking but also helps the sauce adhere beautifully later on. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. If you have more time, an hour is even better, but avoid marinating for more than 4 hours, especially with the vinegar, as it can start to change the texture of the chicken too much. This marinating step is key to infusing deep flavor into our Healthy Sesame Chicken.

Phase 2: Crafting the Irresistible Healthy Sesame Chicken Sauce

Step 4: Prepare the Base of the Sesame Sauce.

While your chicken is marinating, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show: the incredibly flavorful sesame sauce. In a medium bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (I love the subtle sweetness and depth honey brings), and 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil for that unmistakable nutty aroma, 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. If you like a little kick, now’s the time to add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce; I often add a bit for a pleasant warmth without overpowering the other flavors. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken Broth and Cornstarch Slurry for Thickening.

To the sauce mixture, pour in ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth. This helps to thin the sauce just enough so it can be reduced and thickened to perfection. In a very small separate bowl, create your cornstarch slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth and no lumps remain. This slurry is crucial for thickening our sauce at the end, giving it that glossy, desirable consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken. Set the sauce mixture and the slurry aside; we’ll add the slurry when the sauce is heating up.

Phase 3: Preparing the Coating and Vegetables for Our Healthy Sesame Chicken

Step 6: Prepare the Crispy Coating for the Chicken.

For an extra layer of crispiness and a truly professional finish, I highly recommend this optional coating step. On a shallow plate or in a wide, flat bowl, combine ¼ cup of cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk them together. When you’re ready to cook, just before searing, you will lightly dredge each marinated chicken piece in this mixture. This creates a beautifully golden and crispy exterior, a hallmark of excellent Healthy Sesame Chicken.

Step 7: Prepare Any Optional Vegetables.

If you’re planning to add vegetables to make this a truly complete and healthy meal – which I heartily recommend! – now is the time to get them ready. Wash and chop your chosen vegetables. Broccoli florets can be cut into bite-sized pieces, bell peppers sliced into strips, snow peas trimmed, and carrots thinly sliced or julienned. Having them prepped and ready to go before you start cooking the chicken ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process. I often steam my broccoli separately before adding it to the stir-fry at the very end to ensure it’s perfectly tender-crisp.

Phase 4: Cooking the Healthy Sesame Chicken to Perfection

Step 8: Sear the Marinated Chicken Pieces.

Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil (or your preferred high smoke point oil) and allow it to shimmer. While the oil is heating, take your marinated chicken out of the fridge. If using the optional coating, dredge each piece lightly in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. This step is a game-changer for texture! Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches, if necessary, is essential to achieve a beautiful sear and crispy exterior; overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside on a clean plate. Repeat with any remaining chicken. This golden crust is what we’re aiming for, adding incredible flavor and texture to our Healthy Sesame Chicken.

Step 9: Stir-Fry Optional Vegetables.

If you’re including vegetables, add a little more oil to the same pan if needed. Add your heartier vegetables first (like carrots or bell peppers) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to become tender-crisp. Then, add softer vegetables like snow peas or pre-steamed broccoli, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until they are bright and crisp-tender. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside with the cooked chicken. You want them cooked but still with a nice bite.

Step 10: Cook the Healthy Sesame Chicken Sauce.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. If there’s any excess oil or burnt bits in the pan, quickly wipe it out with a paper towel. Pour the prepared sesame sauce mixture (from Step 4 and 5, without the cornstarch slurry yet) into the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the raw garlic/ginger aroma to mellow out. You’ll notice the sauce starting to smell incredibly fragrant.

Step 11: Thicken the Sauce and Combine with Chicken and Vegetables.

Give your cornstarch slurry (from Step 5) a quick re-whisk, as cornstarch tends to settle. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce in the pan, whisking continuously. You’ll see the sauce begin to thicken almost immediately, transforming into a beautiful, glossy, and rich consistency that will perfectly coat our chicken. Let it simmer for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring the cornstarch is fully cooked and there’s no starchy taste. Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, return the seared chicken pieces to the pan. If you’re using vegetables, add those back in now too. Toss everything gently with tongs until the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the luxurious, sticky sesame sauce. Every piece should glisten!

Phase 5: Assembling and Serving Your Delicious Healthy Sesame Chicken

Step 12: Garnish and Serve Immediately.

Your beautiful Healthy Sesame Chicken is now ready! Transfer the chicken and any accompanying vegetables to serving plates or a large platter. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds – these add both a delightful crunch and an appealing visual touch. Finish with a scattering of thinly sliced fresh green onions; their mild oniony bite and vibrant green color provide a lovely contrast. Serve immediately over a bed of warm brown rice, fluffy quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for an even lower-carb option. The delightful combination of tender, crispy chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and savory sesame sauce, along with fresh garnishes, makes for an incredibly satisfying and wholesome meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our culinary journey with this incredible recipe, I truly hope you’re feeling as excited as I am about bringing this dish to your own table. There are so many reasons why this isn’t just another recipe; it’s an absolute game-changer for your weeknight dinners, your meal prep, and even your special occasions. We’ve created something here that perfectly balances convenience with an explosion of flavors, all while staying true to our commitment to wholesome eating. This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about transforming simple ingredients into a memorable experience that nourishes both body and soul.

I genuinely believe this is a must-try recipe because it effortlessly combines the irresistible allure of a takeout classic with the undeniable benefits of a homemade meal. Forget the greasy, overly sweet versions you might be used to; our rendition focuses on fresh, vibrant ingredients and a carefully crafted sauce that sings with savory depth and just the right touch of sweetness. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked chicken bathed in a glossy, aromatic sauce, a symphony of sesame, ginger, and garlic dancing on your palate. It’s comforting, it’s exciting, and perhaps most importantly, it’s incredibly satisfying without leaving you feeling heavy or sluggish. This dish is living proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. It’s an empowering feeling to know exactly what goes into your food, and even more so when the result tastes this good.

Now, let’s talk about making this dish your own. While the base recipe for our Healthy Sesame Chicken is fantastic as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile, inviting you to experiment and tailor it to your preferences. For serving suggestions, think beyond just plain white rice. Consider pairing it with fluffy brown rice for added fiber, or go for a lighter option like cauliflower rice or quinoa if you’re watching your carb intake. Whole wheat noodles or even spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) make excellent companions, soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce. Don’t forget to load up on extra veggies! Stir-fried broccoli florets, snap peas, thinly sliced bell peppers, or even blanched asparagus spears would add beautiful color, crunch, and a boost of nutrients to your plate. A sprinkle of fresh green onions and an extra dash of toasted sesame seeds as a garnish will elevate the presentation and add another layer of texture and aroma.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to spark your culinary creativity. For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce will turn up the heat beautifully. If you’re looking for different protein options, this sauce works incredibly well with pan-fried tofu, crispy shrimp, or even lean slices of sirloin steak. You could also introduce different vegetables into the stir-fry – baby corn, water chestnuts, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. And if you’re managing sugar intake, you can adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking, perhaps even substituting with a natural, low-calorie sweetener. The possibilities are truly endless, and that’s one of the things I love most about cooking – the freedom to personalize and create something uniquely yours.

I am genuinely so excited for you to try this recipe. It’s a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients creating extraordinary flavors. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch of this delightful dish, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Please, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, your successes, and even your questions in the comments below. Better yet, snap a photo of your beautiful creation and share it with us! Your feedback and experiences are incredibly valuable and help inspire others in our community to try new things. So go on, give this recipe a try this week. I promise, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll quickly understand why this particular healthy sesame chicken recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too!