Healthy Sesame Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dinner option that will make you forget about takeout! This dish is loaded with protein and low in carbs, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, Healthy Sesame Chicken is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a healthy balance of protein and fiber.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of coconut aminos, honey, and sesame oil creates a rich sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or alongside veggies, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe uses gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making Healthy Sesame Chicken, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken and allows the sauce to thicken perfectly.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps to combine the sauce ingredients seamlessly for maximum flavor.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping chicken and other ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
For the Sauce
- 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)
For Serving
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your chicken into small cubes. Cook the white rice and green beans according to package directions so they are ready when you need them.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute. Once hot:
1. Add the cubed chicken to the pan.
2. Sauté until browned on all sides, which should take approximately 10-12 minutes.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the chicken cooks:
– In a bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked:
– Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
– Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same hot pan (no need to clean it). Cook for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat until bubbling while stirring consistently.
Step 5: Coat Chicken in Sauce
After the sauce thickens:
– Add the cooked chicken back into the pan.
– Toss until it’s well coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Serve your Healthy Sesame Chicken over cooked rice and alongside green beans. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch. Enjoy your healthy meal!
How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken
Healthy Sesame Chicken is a versatile dish that you can serve in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Serve with Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Add fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
- Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a crunchy texture.
Pair with Fresh Vegetables
- Sliced Cucumbers: Refreshing cucumbers can add a crisp contrast to the warm chicken.
- Shredded Carrots: Bright and colorful shredded carrots provide extra nutrition and crunch.
Create a Sesame Chicken Bowl
- Quinoa Base: Swap white rice for quinoa to make it even healthier.
- Mixed Greens: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for added fiber and vitamins.
Offer Dipping Sauces
- Spicy Sriracha: For those who enjoy heat, offer sriracha on the side.
- Peanut Sauce: A creamy peanut sauce complements the sesame flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Healthy Sesame Chicken
Perfecting your Healthy Sesame Chicken involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dish is always delicious.
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best taste and texture.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let your chicken marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Watch Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be juicy and tender, taking about 10-12 minutes to brown properly.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve that perfect sear while keeping the inside moist.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or broth during cooking.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes like sesame seeds or herbs; they enhance both taste and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Sesame Chicken
Complement your Healthy Sesame Chicken with these delightful side dishes that balance flavors and textures perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
- Garlic Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative to rice is flavorful and easy to prepare by sautéing grated cauliflower with garlic.
- Stir-Fried Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stir-fried in sesame oil give a sweet crunch that pairs well with chicken.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini offers a fun, gluten-free substitute that absorbs flavors well when sautéed lightly.
- Mango Salad: A fresh mango salad with lime dressing adds sweetness and brightness to your meal.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash provides a hearty side that’s rich in vitamins while complementing the savory chicken flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Healthy Sesame Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
Ignoring the Chicken Size: Cutting chicken into uneven pieces can lead to uneven cooking. Always cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent results.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Sauté until browned but remain vigilant not to exceed 12 minutes.
Skipping the Sauce Whisking: Not whisking the sauce ingredients properly can result in an unbalanced flavor. Make sure to combine all sauce ingredients well before adding them to the pan.
Not Monitoring Sauce Thickness: Allowing the sauce to bubble without stirring can cause it to burn. Keep stirring as it thickens for a perfect glaze on your chicken.
Using Incorrect Cooking Oil: Using oils with low smoke points can ruin your dish. Stick with avocado oil or other high-heat oils for sautéing.
Forgetting to Garnish: Neglecting sesame seeds as a garnish misses out on flavor and presentation. Always sprinkle them just before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Healthy Sesame Chicken
- Freeze in a leak-proof container for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with dates for easy identification.
Reheating Healthy Sesame Chicken
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe container in 1-minute intervals, stirring between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Healthy Sesame Chicken that may help clarify your cooking experience.
How can I make Healthy Sesame Chicken spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat!
Can I use beef or turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, both beef and turkey work wonderfully in this recipe! Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.
What sides go well with Healthy Sesame Chicken?
This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for added texture and nutrients.
How do I store leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage options.
Final Thoughts
Healthy Sesame Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any weeknight meal. Feel free to customize your dish by adding different vegetables or adjusting the sauce’s sweetness level. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Healthy Sesame Chicken
Healthy Sesame Chicken is a flavorful and nutritious alternative to takeout that you can whip up in just 35 minutes. This dish features tender chicken cubes simmered in a delicious sesame sauce made with coconut aminos, honey, and toasted sesame oil. Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Whether served over rice or alongside your favorite greens, this Healthy Sesame Chicken will impress family and friends while keeping your meal light and wholesome.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
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
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until browned on all sides (about 10-12 minutes).
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl until well combined.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture into the same hot pan and cook for 3-5 minutes until bubbling.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Serve over cooked rice with green beans on the side and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg