Healthy Sesame Chicken
This Healthy Sesame Chicken is a lighter, guilt-free twist on the takeout classic. Juicy chicken is seared and tossed in a naturally sweetened sesame sauce with garlic, ginger, and tamari. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or healthy family meals—ready in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sriracha optional, for heat
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Neutral oil for stir-frying e.g., avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: Toss chicken with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to lightly coat.
- Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, water, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour sauce into the same skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or vegetables.
Notes
Healthy Sesame Chicken – Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips & TechniquesUse boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Toss chicken in a light cornstarch coating before pan-searing to get that crisp exterior without deep frying.
Use a nonstick skillet or wok with just a bit of oil to keep things light while still achieving great texture.
Make your own sauce with low-sodium soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice — it’s healthier and more flavorful than bottled versions.
Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, then toss it with the chicken until every bite is glossy and coated. Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice for low-carb, or quinoa for a protein-packed option.
Top with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a picture-perfect bowl.
Add steamed or stir-fried broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers to make it a full one-pan meal.
Pair with a fresh cucumber salad or miso soup for a balanced, nourishing dinner. Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Prep the sauce and chop the chicken ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked sesame chicken in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce. Tasty Variations to Try
Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a fiery twist.
Vegetable Stir-Fry Mix: Toss in your favorite stir-fry veggies — bok choy, edamame, or carrots work beautifully.
Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve in crisp romaine or butter lettuce cups for a low-carb, hand-held meal.
Ginger-Lime Sesame Chicken: Add fresh grated ginger and lime zest for a zesty, aromatic version.
No-Sugar Option: Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or omit entirely for a more savory version.