Craving that takeout favorite but dreading the grease and guilt? Look no further! Our Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe delivers all the deliciousness you love – the sticky glaze, the crunchy sesame seeds, the tender chicken – without sacrificing your health goals. It’s quicker than delivery, packed with flavor, and made with wholesome ingredients. Trust me, this will become a weeknight staple!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, sesame chicken was strictly a special occasion treat – something we only got during those rare family outings to our favorite Chinese restaurant. The memories associated with those meals were pure joy, but I always knew it wasn’t the healthiest option. Years later, I set out to recreate that nostalgic flavor in a way that fit my lifestyle. After many tweaks and taste tests, this Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe was born. It brings back those cherished childhood memories without the post-meal guilt, and now I can share it with my own family any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown. This will take about 6-8 minutes and it is very important that this is done.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and is glossy. And mix it again.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (if using). Serve immediately over rice or your grain of choice. And finally you serve.
Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 clove garlic, red pepper flakes
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown. This will take about 6-8 minutes and it is very important that this is done.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and is glossy. And mix it again.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (if using). Serve immediately over rice or your grain of choice. And finally you serve.2 tablespoons sesame seeds, chopped green onions