Healthy sesame chicken is a savory and satisfying dish that’s both easy and quick to prepare. This family-friendly recipe combines tender chicken, a rich sauce, and delightful garnishes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. You’ll love how simple it is to create a flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy!
Table of Contents
Sesame Chicken Recipe
Overview of Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a popular dish known for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. The crispy chicken pieces are coated in a tantalizing sauce made with coconut aminos, honey, and sesame oil, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory. This version is healthier, giving you all the indulgence without the guilt!
Why This Recipe is Healthier
This healthy sesame chicken recipe uses wholesome ingredients like avocado oil and coconut aminos, making it a great alternative to traditional recipes. It’s lower in sodium and free from unnecessary additives, providing a nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal any day of the week!
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce 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 minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from one lime)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients for Serving
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into small, uniform cubes. Cook the white rice and green beans according to package instructions while you prepare the chicken.
Making the Sauce
Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat for about one minute. Add the chicken and sauté until browned on all sides, which takes about 10-12 minutes. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until well combined.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Pour the sauce mixture into the hot pan and cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until it bubbles and thickens. Be careful not to burn it! Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the luscious sauce. Serve your sesame chicken over the cooked rice and green beans for a complete meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to mix things up, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. Avocado oil can easily be replaced with olive oil or refined coconut oil. For a different flavor profile, broccoli or other seasonal vegetables can be used instead of green beans.
Alternative Serving Suggestions
This sesame chicken is fantastic served over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s also delicious wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fun and healthy twist. Try it alongside dishes like grilled chili lime chicken thighs or pesto bruschetta chicken for a varied meal experience!
Storage Tips
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick meal the next day!
Reheating Instructions
Reheat the sesame chicken in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. While freezing is untested, it may work if you need to store it longer.
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for healthy sesame chicken?
You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, avocado oil, coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and lime juice, among others.
How long does it take to prepare healthy sesame chicken?
The total time for preparing healthy sesame chicken is approximately 25 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.
Can I make healthy sesame chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare healthy sesame chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What can I serve with healthy sesame chicken?
Healthy sesame chicken pairs well with cooked green beans and white rice. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Is healthy sesame chicken suitable for meal prep?
Yes, healthy sesame chicken is ideal for meal prep! You can make it in batches and enjoy it throughout the week.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Now that you have this healthy sesame chicken recipe, you can create a delicious meal in no time. It’s perfect for busy families and meal prepping. For more delicious meal ideas, check out some amazing recipes on Pinterest. You’ll find inspiration to keep your dinners exciting and healthy!
Healthy Sesame Chicken: A Deliciously Simple Delight
Equipment
- pan
- whisk
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 minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest from one lime
- 1 tablespoon lime juice from one lime
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 cups cooked green beans optional for serving
- 1 cup cooked white rice optional for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into cubes and cook the rice and green beans according to package instructions.
- Heat avocado oil in a pan, add chicken, and sauté until browned, about 10-12 minutes.
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients while the chicken cooks.
- Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and cook until it bubbles and thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pan and coat it in the sauce.
- Serve the sesame chicken over rice and green beans.
