Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? By the time I’m home from work, the LAST thing I wanna do is cook. Takeout menus start looking REAL good ’bout 5 PM. But let’s be honest, that takeout bill adds up, and sometimes you just want something…healthier. That’s where this recipe for Healthy Sesame Chicken comes in. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
I stumbled upon something similar years ago when I was trying to eat better and save some cash. I took that original idea and tweaked it, and tweaked it, and tweaked it some MORE until it was *perfect*. Now? Now, it’s a staple. Seriously, my family begs for it. Even my picky eater loves it! And the best part? It tastes just like your fave takeout, but it’s actually good for you and easy to make at home. I’ve been cooking it for years, and it’s always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Okay, so why should you even *bother* making this Healthy Sesame Chicken? Let me tell you, this recipe is a total winner! It’s got everything you could want in a weeknight dinner. Seriously, I’m not just saying that! Here’s the lowdown:
Quick and Easy HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Time is precious, right? This recipe is FAST. I’m talking from fridge to table in under 30 minutes. That’s quicker than waiting for delivery! Perfect for those nights when you just can’t even.
Flavorful and Satisfying HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Okay, flavor bomb alert! This Healthy Sesame Chicken is seriously delicious. It’s got that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and nutty sesame goodness that’ll have you licking your plate. Trust me, even picky eaters will devour it!
HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN Made with Wholesome Ingredients
And the best part? You can feel good about eating it! We’re talking lean chicken breast, real maple syrup, and a gluten-free option. No weird additives or mystery ingredients here! It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your body!
Ingredients for Your HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already. The key to this Healthy Sesame Chicken is good quality ingredients. You’ll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, and make sure you dice it up into bite-sized pieces. Easier to cook that way! Then grab your cornstarch (about 2 Tablespoons) and gluten-free tamari (you’ll need about 4 1/2 Tablespoons total). Oh, and Avocado oil – about 2 Tablespoons for cooking. For the sauce, you’ll need 1/2 cup water, 2 Tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 Tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Don’t skip the sesame oil, it makes ALL the difference! A clove of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes add that extra zing. And finally, you’ll need a mix of 1 Tablespoon cornstarch and 1 Tablespoon water to thicken the sauce, and a teaspoon of sesame seeds to sprinkle on top. Got it all? Great, let’s get cooking!
How to Make HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients ready? Awesome! Let’s get down to business. This Healthy Sesame Chicken is surprisingly easy to make, I promise! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Preparing the HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
First things first, let’s get that chicken prepped. Grab your diced chicken and toss it in a bowl with the cornstarch and a tablespoon and a half of tamari. Make sure every piece is coated! This helps the chicken get nice and crispy when you cook it. Set that aside for a sec while we get the pan ready.
Cooking the HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Now, heat up your avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Careful, it can splatter! Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t brown properly! You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through – about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left inside. Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. We’ll need it later!
Making the Delicious HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN Sauce
Time for the magic sauce! In a bowl, whisk together the water, remaining tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mmm, smells good already, right? Now, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining cornstarch and water to make a slurry. This is what’s gonna thicken our sauce. Next, pour the sauce mixture into the same pan you cooked the chicken in. Bring it to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens up. It should only take a minute or two. Don’t stop whisking, or it’ll get lumpy!
Combining the Chicken and Sauce for Perfect HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Alright, almost there! Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it with the sauce until it’s completely coated. Make sure every piece is glistening with that delicious sesame sauce! Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds. And that’s it! Your Healthy Sesame Chicken is ready to serve. I like to serve mine over brown rice or quinoa. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Want to make sure your Healthy Sesame Chicken is absolutely AMAZING? Of course, you do! Here’s a few things I’ve learned over the years. First, don’t overcrowd that pan when you’re cooking the chicken! Seriously, it’s tempting to just dump it all in, but trust me, it won’t brown properly. Work in batches if you need to. Also, taste the sauce before you add the chicken! If you like it a little sweeter, add a touch more maple syrup. If you want more zing, add a pinch more red pepper flakes. It’s YOUR dinner, make it how you like it! And finally, don’t overcook the chicken! Nobody likes dry chicken. Cook it until it’s just cooked through, and it’ll be perfect!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two. Don’t panic! You can still make this Healthy Sesame Chicken! If you don’t have gluten-free tamari, regular soy sauce will work in a pinch, but it won’t be gluten-free, obviously. For the maple syrup, you could try honey or agave, but the flavor will be a little different. I really love the maple syrup, though, it gives it that perfect touch of sweetness! And if you don’t have avocado oil, any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will do just fine. But seriously, try the avocado oil sometime, it’s great! Also, if you can’t find toasted sesame oil, regular sesame oil is okay, but toasting it yourself really enhances the flavor. Just heat it in a small pan over low heat until it smells fragrant – careful not to burn it!
Frequently Asked Questions About HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Got questions about this Healthy Sesame Chicken? I figured you might! I get asked these all the time, so lemme clear some things up!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN recipe?
Totally! Chicken thighs will work just fine. They’re a bit richer and more flavorful than chicken breast, and they tend to stay moister. Just keep in mind they might take a little longer to cook, so keep an eye on them!
Is this HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN recipe actually gluten-free?
Yep, it CAN be! The key is to use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Regular soy sauce usually has wheat in it, which is a no-no for gluten-free folks. Double-check the label to be sure! Otherwise, all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
How can I make this HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN spicier?
Ooh, good question! If you like a little kick, there are a few ways to spice things up. You can add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, of course. Or, for a real punch, try adding a drizzle of sriracha or some chili garlic sauce. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!
Storing and Reheating Your HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Healthy Sesame Chicken is just as good the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, the sauce might be a little thick, so just add a splash of water and heat it up in a pan or microwave until it’s warmed through. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN
Okay, so you’re curious about the nutrition info for this Healthy Sesame Chicken? I get it! Everyone’s watching what they eat these days. Just keep in mind that these are just estimates, okay? The exact nutritional content can vary a LOT depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, take this with a grain of salt! I’m not a nutritionist, just a home cook who likes to share yummy recipes! But I hope it gives you a general idea!
Enjoy Your HEALTHY SESAME CHICKEN!
And that’s it! You’ve made your very own Healthy Sesame Chicken! I really hope you love it as much as my family does. If you do, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A rating would be awesome, too! And hey, if you take any pictures, share them on social media and tag me! I love seeing your creations!
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Devastatingly Delicious Healthy Sesame Chicken in 30
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy healthy sesame chicken recipe. Enjoy tender chicken coated in a flavorful sesame sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons gluten free tamari
- 1–2 Tablespoons Avocado oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 Tablespoons gluten-free tamari
- 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Coat chicken with cornstarch and tamari.
- Cook chicken in avocado oil until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan.
- Whisk together water, tamari, maple syrup, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Pour sauce mixture into pan and whisk until thickened.
- Return chicken to pan and coat with sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- The sauce will thicken when chilled; thin with water when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
