Healthy Sesame Chicken: A Delicious Weeknight Dinner

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.