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Healthy Sesame Chicken

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2–4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A lighter, homemade version of classic sesame chicken—pan-seared instead of deep-fried, with a naturally sweetened, lower-sodium sauce for the same bold sweet-salty-tangy flavor without the guilt.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce/tamari)
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or fresh grated)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • Optional: lime zest and juice
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Optional for serving: cooked green beans and white rice (or cauliflower rice)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into cubes and heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  3. While chicken cooks, whisk together coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and optional lime juice/zest in a bowl.
  4. Remove chicken from skillet and pour sauce into the hot pan. Let it bubble and thicken for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  6. Serve over rice with green beans or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
  • For gluten-free, use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • If you don’t have rice vinegar, substitute with more coconut aminos or lime juice.
  • For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water).
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg