SESAME CHICKEN: SO EASY!

Craving takeout but wanting to keep it healthy and easy? Ditch the greasy delivery and whip up this unbelievably delicious and simple version of sesame chicken right in your own kitchen! This Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe delivers all the sweet, savory, and nutty flavors you love, without the guilt. Prepare to be amazed at how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s actually good for you!

Gathering Your Amazing Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat!)

For Garnish:

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions (optional)

Step-by-Step to Sesame Chicken Bliss

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is truly straightforward, I promise!

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This will help the chicken get nice and crispy.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is nice and hot!
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to achieve proper browning.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sesame Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

1. Pour the sesame sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sesame sauce.
4. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to cling to the chicken.

Garnishing and Serving:

1. Remove the sesame chicken from the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if using).
2. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain.

Tips for Extra-Amazing Sesame Chicken

Want to take your sesame chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tricks!

• Chicken Prep is Key: Make sure your chicken pieces are relatively uniform in size. This ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding leads to steaming, not searing. Cook the chicken in batches for the best browning.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. You can also use a sugar substitute like maple syrup.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
• Fresh Ginger & Garlic: While the recipe calls for ground ginger and garlic powder for convenience, using freshly grated ginger and minced garlic will elevate the flavor even more!
• Get Creative with Veggies: Add some stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the skillet along with the chicken for a more complete meal.

The Secret to Healthy-ish Sweetness

The beauty of this recipe lies in its healthier approach to a classic comfort food. Let’s break down how we’re keeping it light!

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Reducing sodium intake is a breeze with this simple swap.
• Honey as a Natural Sweetener: We’re using honey instead of refined sugars, which provides sweetness and antioxidants.
• Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Homemade = Control: By making it at home, you control the ingredients and avoid the hidden sugars and unhealthy fats often found in restaurant versions.

Serving Suggestions that Sizzle

Sesame chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are some fantastic ways to serve it:

• Classic Rice Bowl: Serve over steamed white or brown rice with a side of steamed broccoli.
• Quinoa Power Bowl: Combine sesame chicken with quinoa, edamame, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of sesame dressing for a protein-packed and nutritious meal.
• Noodle Nirvana: Toss sesame chicken with cooked udon or soba noodles and some chopped scallions for a delightful Asian-inspired noodle dish.
• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon sesame chicken into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing appetizer or snack.
• Sesame Chicken Salad: Serve chilled sesame chicken over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.

Sesame Chicken Variations to Explore

Once you master the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations to suit your taste preferences!

• Orange Sesame Chicken: Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the sesame sauce for a citrusy twist.
• Spicy Peanut Sesame Chicken: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter and a dash of chili garlic sauce to the sesame sauce for a creamy, spicy, and nutty flavor.
• Lemon Sesame Chicken: Use lemon juice instead of rice vinegar for a brighter, tangier sauce.
• Teriyaki Sesame Chicken: Substitute teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce and honey for a different flavor profile.
• Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken and Veggies: Toss the chicken and your favorite vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, onions) with the sesame sauce and roast on a sheet pan for an easy one-pan meal.

Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Adore

If you’re loving this easy chicken recipe, you MUST try some of my other favorites! You should check out this amazing COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN. Its absolutely packed with flavor! If you enjoy Asian-inspired dishes, I also suggest you take a look at HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN, HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN, HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN, and HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN. I even have a version for your slow cooker! Check out my Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. I’m sure you’ll find a new favorite!

Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To

Trust me, this Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, healthy-ish, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you’re craving takeout without the guilt. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade sesame chicken! Enjoy!

Sesame Chicken: So Easy!

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Craving takeout but wanting a healthier option? This Sesame Chicken recipe delivers all the sweet, savory, and nutty flavors you love, without the guilt. Prepare to be amazed at how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s actually good for you!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or tongs
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped optional
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to achieve proper browning.
• Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Pour the sesame sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sesame sauce.
• Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to cling to the chicken.
• Remove the sesame chicken from the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if using).
• Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain.

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if necessary. Adjust sweetness by reducing honey amount. Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra spice. Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic will enhance the flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.