Healthy Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Sesame Chicken is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken cubes are sautéed until golden and then coated in a rich and aromatic sesame sauce made with coconut aminos, honey, and toasted sesame oil. The sauce adds a deliciously savory, slightly sweet flavor to the chicken without being overly heavy. Plus, it’s healthier than the traditional takeout version, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste for nutrition.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

• ½ tablespoon avocado oil

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup coconut aminos

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• ¼ 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken and Sides: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cook the white rice and green beans according to their respective directions.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat for about 1 minute. Add the chicken cubes to the pan and sauté them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are browned on all sides.

3. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Pour the sauce into the same pan (no need to clean it) and cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Let the sauce bubble and thicken, but be cautious not to let it burn.

5. Coat the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss it in the sauce until well coated.

6. Serve: Serve the sesame chicken over the cooked rice and green beans. Garnish with sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chicken: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.

• Vegetables: Instead of green beans, try broccoli, snap peas, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

• Oil: If you don’t have avocado oil, you can substitute it with olive oil or refined coconut oil.

• Coconut Aminos: If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.

• Ginger: Fresh ginger can be replaced with ½ teaspoon of dried ground ginger if needed.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will add more flavor and juiciness.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, and store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook.

3. Can I make this recipe without coconut aminos?

Yes, if you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.

4. Can I use another vegetable instead of green beans?

Yes, you can substitute green beans with any other vegetable like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.

5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative to white rice, but it will require a longer cooking time.

6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

To check if the chicken is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. Can I use other oils instead of sesame oil?

While toasted sesame oil gives the sauce its distinctive flavor, you could use a different oil like olive oil if necessary, but the flavor will be different.

8. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, the sesame chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

9. Can I make this recipe without honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey to keep it vegan or for a different flavor profile.

10. Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, this recipe is low in carbs, especially if you opt for a vegetable side like broccoli instead of rice.

Conclusion

Healthy Sesame Chicken is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s quick to make and perfect for anyone craving a healthy dinner. With its tasty sesame sauce, tender chicken, and wholesome side of veggies, this dish is satisfying and packed with protein. It’s an easy, better-than-takeout option that everyone will love, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights!

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