Healthy Sesame Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that tastes just as good as takeout, this healthy sesame chicken is a game-changer. It’s packed with flavor, super simple to make, and it’s the kind of recipe that will have your family asking for seconds—without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love Chinese food? But sometimes, ordering takeout can leave you feeling a little too full and sluggish. That’s why I came up with this healthy sesame chicken recipe. It’s got all the delicious flavors of your favorite restaurant dish, but made with wholesome ingredients that are so much better for you!

This sesame chicken is coated in a crispy, lightly sweet, and savory sauce, all while keeping it low in calories and high in protein. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.

The Secret to a Crispy, Healthy Coating

One of the things I love most about this sesame chicken is the crispy coating. I’ve found the trick to getting that crispy texture without deep frying is using a mixture of cornstarch and egg whites. It gives the chicken a beautiful golden brown crust, without needing a bunch of oil.

After coating the chicken pieces in this crispy mixture, I pan-sear them until they’re golden and cooked through. This method ensures you get that satisfying crunch you love, but without the excess calories and grease of deep frying.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Healthy Sesame Chicken

Before you start cooking, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to get this dish on the table:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are the perfect lean protein for this dish. You could also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, but chicken breasts are my go-to for a lighter, healthier version.
• Cornstarch and egg whites: These create the crispy, golden coating.
• Sesame oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding that authentic flavor to the sauce. It’s one of the key ingredients for bringing out that classic sesame flavor!
• Soy sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option, but regular soy sauce works too if that’s what you have on hand.
• Honey or maple syrup: I prefer using honey because of its sweetness and richness, but maple syrup is a great alternative if you want a slightly different taste.
• Rice vinegar: This balances out the sweetness of the honey and adds a tangy kick.
• Garlic and ginger: These two ingredients are the base of the sauce and add that bold, aromatic flavor we all love in Asian-inspired dishes.
• Sesame seeds: These add the perfect crunch and extra sesame flavor that’s key to this recipe.
• Green onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish and a little extra flavor at the end.

You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, and if not, they’re easy to find in your local grocery store.

How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough that they cook quickly, but large enough to still have a bit of bite. Then, toss the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and egg whites. This is what gives them that crispy, crunchy exterior without frying them in a ton of oil.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a bit of sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning the pieces every couple of minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. If your pan is crowded, you may need to do this in batches.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a separate bowl. This sauce is what makes this dish amazing. It’s sweet, tangy, savory, and just the right amount of bold. Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan and toss to coat every piece. Let the sauce cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and caramelize.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the chicken from the heat and sprinkle it with sesame seeds and green onions. These little touches really take the dish to the next level and give it that authentic look and feel.

What to Serve With Healthy Sesame Chicken

While the sesame chicken is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with some easy sides to make this meal a complete dinner. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with it:

• Steamed broccoli: A simple side that adds fiber and nutrients without overshadowing the main dish. You can toss the broccoli in a little sesame oil for extra flavor!
• Brown rice: For a healthier option, serve this sesame chicken with brown rice. It adds some whole grains to the meal and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• Cauliflower rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a great option that still adds texture without all the extra carbs.
• Quick stir-fried veggies: Use whatever veggies you have on hand—bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, and mushrooms all work great.

Tips for Making the Best Healthy Sesame Chicken

1. Use a non-stick pan: This helps the chicken cook evenly without sticking to the pan, and you don’t need as much oil.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the chicken pieces are too close together, they won’t get crispy. Cook them in batches if necessary.
3. Adjust the sauce: If you like your sesame chicken sweeter, add a little extra honey. If you prefer it more savory, reduce the amount of honey or increase the soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This healthy sesame chicken is one of those meals that you’ll come back to again and again because it’s just so simple, flavorful, and quick. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something that tastes amazing but doesn’t take hours to make. Plus, it’s a much healthier version of your favorite takeout meal, and I can promise you that your family will love it!

And the best part? You can make a big batch of it, and leftovers taste just as good the next day—if you’re lucky enough to have any left!