SESAME CHICKEN: SO EASY!

Craving that sweet and savory sesame chicken flavor but dreading the guilt and the takeout prices? You’re not alone! Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly tender chicken coated in a luscious sesame sauce, knowing it’s actually good for you. With this recipe, you’ll be whipping up delicious and incredibly Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken in your own kitchen in no time – a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious!

Gathering Your Sesame Chicken Essentials

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish. Don’t worry, the ingredient list looks longer than it is, and many are pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken.
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch: To lightly coat the chicken and help it crisp up.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: To season the chicken.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: To season the chicken.

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The base of our umami-rich sauce.
• 2 tbsp Honey: For a touch of natural sweetness.
• 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick.
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil: Crucial for that authentic sesame flavor!
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
• 1 tbsp Water: To dissolve the cornstarch.
• 1 tsp Garlic: Minced, for that pungent aroma.
• 1 tsp Ginger: Freshly grated, adds a warm spice.
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little heat!
• 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds: For garnish and added flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh bite.

Optional Additions (For Serving):

• Cooked Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthy base.
• Steamed Broccoli or Other Vegetables: To complete the meal.

Prepping Like a Pro Before You Cook

Before we even turn on the stove, let’s get everything prepped and ready. This will make the whole cooking process so much smoother, trust me!

• Chicken Prep: Cut your chicken breasts into even, 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels – drier chicken browns better!
• Sauce Prep: Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
• Veggies Prep: If you’re serving with vegetables, get them ready to steam or roast. Broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers are all great choices.
• Rice Prep: Start cooking your rice or quinoa according to package directions. It should be ready around the same time as the chicken.

Step-by-Step to Sesame Chicken Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy sesame chicken dinner on the table in no time.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook in batches.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sesame Sauce:

1. Pour the prepared sesame sauce into the same skillet.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Combining and Serving:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
5. Serve immediately over cooked rice or quinoa with your favorite steamed vegetables.

Secret Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken Ever

Want to take your sesame chicken to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is the golden rule for browning any meat. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the pan and causes the chicken to steam, resulting in less flavor and a less appealing texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce.
• Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the honey or red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before using them enhances their nutty flavor.
• Make it a Meal Prep Staple: This sesame chicken is fantastic for meal prepping! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Healthy Swaps and Substitutions

This recipe is already pretty healthy, but here are some ways to make it even more nutritious or accommodate dietary restrictions:

• Lower Sodium: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free and lower-sodium option. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce and increase the rice vinegar for added tang.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free honey substitute like stevia or erythritol.
• More Veggies: Add more vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
• Cauliflower Rice: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)

This isn’t just another sesame chicken recipe; it’s *my* go-to for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight meal. I love that it uses simple ingredients, comes together in under 30 minutes, and tastes even better than takeout! Plus, knowing exactly what’s going into my food is a huge bonus. I especially enjoy pairing this with GARLIC CHICKEN BROCCOLI BOWLS for a hearty and healthy meal. And, if you’re looking to create another easy dish, consider trying Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic recipes:

• For those who love tender and juicy chicken, you should try CHICKEN THIGHS.
• For a quick and easy weeknight meal, give AIR FRYER CHICKEN PERFECTION a shot.
• Want something even faster? Check out this AIR FRYER CHICKEN recipe!
• For those who want to experience steakhouse quality at home, there’s MORTON’S CHICKEN.

Troubleshooting Your Sesame Chicken

Even the best recipes can sometimes go awry! Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Sauce Too Thick: Add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Sauce Too Thin: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Simmer for a minute or two until it thickens.
• Chicken Not Browning: Make sure your pan is hot enough and don’t overcrowd it!
• Sauce Too Salty: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of brown sugar to balance the flavors.

Time to Get Cooking!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy homemade version of sesame chicken that will rival your favorite takeout. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the greasy, unhealthy stuff again! Enjoy your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken!

Lady Maria

SESAME CHICKEN: SO EASY!

Craving a sweet and savory sesame chicken without the guilt and takeout prices? This recipe provides a delicious and healthy homemade version that’s quick, easy, and uses simple ingredients. Enjoy tender chicken coated in a luscious sesame sauce, ready in under 30 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch, divided
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving
• Steamed broccoli or other vegetables, for serving

Equipment

• Cutting board
• knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• medium bowl
• small bowl
• whisk
• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• paper towels
• Serving bowls

Method

 

1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, water, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
6. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7. Pour the prepared sesame sauce into the same skillet.
8. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
9. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
10. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
11. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
12. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.
13. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
14. Serve immediately over cooked rice or quinoa with your favorite steamed vegetables.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before using. Adjust the sweetness and spice of the sauce to your liking. This sesame chicken is great for meal prepping; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce, simmering until thickened.