If you’re craving Chinese takeout but want to keep your meals healthy, look no further than this Healthy Sesame Chicken. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delectable dish that is not only packed with protein but also low in carbohydrates and gluten-free. The rich flavors of sesame oil, honey, and coconut aminos create a delicious sauce that envelops tender chicken pieces. This meal is not just easy to prepare; it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional sesame chicken, which is often deep-fried and loaded with sodium.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and even using pre-cooked rice to speed up the cooking process. Add in some vibrant green beans, and you’ve got a colorful and nutritious dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want a homemade version of a takeout favorite, this Healthy Sesame Chicken delivers on flavor without compromising on dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Healthy Sesame Chicken is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredible simple to make, requiring straightforward steps and minimal cooking time. Even novice cooks can achieve great results, making this recipe accessible for everyone. Additionally, it is versatile, allowing you to incorporate a range of veggies or alternative proteins if desired. Finally, with fewer calories than the traditional version and wholesome ingredients, it’s easier to indulge without the guilt.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make Healthy Sesame Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil (can substitute with olive or coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon honey (could be replaced with maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (essential for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (omit if you don’t have it, or substitute with a little more coconut aminos)
- 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)
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
These ingredients can be easily modified to your liking. Feel free to swap out the chicken for boneless thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Similarly, the vegetables can be varied based on seasonality or personal preference.
How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken
- First, prepare your chicken by cutting it into small cubes. You can also cook the rice and steam or sauté the green beans according to their package instructions.
- In a large pan, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat for about one minute. Add the chicken and sauté until it is browned on all sides, approximately 10–12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. The ingredients will include coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the same hot pan (there’s no need to clean it) and cook it for 3–5 minutes over medium-high heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning, as the sauce will thicken quickly.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss it with the sauce until well coated.
- Finally, serve the sesame chicken over cooked rice and alongside the green beans. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top as a garnish.
This method ensures that your chicken will be juicy and flavorful without the added calories from frying. The sauce adds depth to the chicken, while the green beans lend a refreshing crunch.
Expert Tips for Success
- Cut the chicken into uniformly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Watch the sauce closely as it cooks; it can thicken quickly. Continue stirring to avoid burning.
- For a richer flavor, allow the cooked chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.
- Prepare your rice and green beans ahead of time to streamline the cooking process, making it quicker to get dinner on the table.
Variations
Feel free to customize this dish according to your taste preferences. You can add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for additional color and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. For those seeking a more indulgent version, serve the chicken over fried rice instead of white rice. Experimenting with different grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice could also provide unique flavors while keeping the dish healthy.
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Sesame Chicken pairs perfectly with various sides. Along with green beans, consider serving it with a fresh salad or steamed broccoli to enhance the meal’s nutritional value. You might also complement the dish with a light dip or sauce, like a ginger-soy mix, for an extra flavor boost.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s best to keep the sesame chicken separate from the rice to avoid sogginess. For freezing, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Healthy Sesame Chicken can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, use a pan over medium heat or a microwave on low to warm gently, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative to chicken breasts. They provide a slightly richer flavor and a tender texture.
What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
If coconut aminos are not available, you can substitute them with low-sodium soy sauce. However, be aware that it will increase the sodium content of the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Healthy Sesame Chicken is gluten-free as long as you use coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free as well.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, either by sautéing them with the chicken or steaming them separately.
How do I adjust the spice level in this dish?
You can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or including a splash of hot sauce. You may also reduce the amount of ginger if you prefer a milder flavor.
Healthy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 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)
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Instructions
- Prep your chicken by cutting into small cubes. Cook white rice and green beans according to directions.
- In a pan, heat avocado oil for 1 minute. Add chicken to the pan and sauté chicken over medium high heat until browned on all sides, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- While chicken is cooking, whisk together the sauce.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove from the pan + set aside.
- Pour sauce mixture into the hot pan (no need to clean it!) and cook for 3-5 minutes over medium high heat until it starts to bubble, stirring consistently. The sauce will thicken quickly, but be careful to watch that it doesn't burn.
- Add cooked chicken back into the pan and coat in sauce.
- Serve sesame chicken over cooked rice and green beans.
