Healthy Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms a takeout classic into a wholesome meal that fits easily into my weeknight routine. It’s incredibly simple to throw together in under 40 minutes, and I never feel like I’m sacrificing taste for health. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, and the sesame seeds add a nice crunch. I also appreciate how versatile it is—perfect over rice, veggies, or even on its own!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup coconut aminos

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon lime zest (zest of one lime)

• 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice of one lime)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Optional For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked green beans

• 1 cup cooked white rice

Directions

1. I start by prepping the chicken, cutting it into bite-sized cubes. While I do that, I get my rice and green beans cooking according to the package directions.

2. In a large pan, I heat the avocado oil for about a minute, then add in the chicken. I sauté it over medium-high heat until it’s golden and cooked through—this usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes.

3. While the chicken cooks, I whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

4. Once the chicken is ready, I take it out of the pan and set it aside. Without cleaning the pan, I pour in the sauce and let it cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes. I stir it consistently so it doesn’t burn—the sauce thickens up quickly.

5. I add the chicken back into the pan, tossing it so every piece is coated in that sticky, delicious sauce.

6. I like to serve it hot over a bed of rice with green beans on the side, then sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 2 people and comes together in just 35 minutes. That includes 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for busy nights when I want something satisfying and homemade without the wait.

Variations

• I sometimes swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if I want a juicier texture.

• When I’m out of avocado oil, I use olive oil or refined coconut oil instead.

• For a different veggie twist, I like using steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers in place of green beans.

• If I don’t have coconut aminos, I go with low sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.

• Fresh ginger adds great flavor, but ground ginger works just fine in a pinch.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat until everything is hot and the sauce is bubbly again. I’ve also used the microwave for quicker reheating—it still tastes great!

FAQs

What makes this sesame chicken healthy?

I use clean, simple ingredients without any deep frying. It’s high in protein, lower in sugar than typical takeout versions, and completely gluten-free when using coconut aminos.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the chicken and sauce ahead, store them separately, and cook everything fresh when I’m ready to eat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I use coconut aminos (or gluten-free tamari), it’s totally gluten-free.

What can I serve with healthy sesame chicken?

I love serving it with rice and green beans, but it also pairs well with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a veggie stir-fry.

Can I freeze this?

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken in the sauce before, and it holds up pretty well! I just let it cool, store it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat it on the stovetop when needed.

Conclusion

Healthy Sesame Chicken is one of my favorite dishes to whip up when I want something satisfying without compromising my healthy eating goals. It’s quick, flavorful, and completely customizable. Whether I serve it over rice or load it up with veggies, it never disappoints!