Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that’s both healthy and quick? I know how busy life can get, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Healthy Sesame Chicken! This dish is not only packed with flavor but can also be made in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need quick family dinners that everyone will love! Plus, if you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you’ll find this dish pairs beautifully with a side of creamy garlic pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
- Healthy ingredients that don’t compromise on flavor.
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal.
- Great for the whole family, even picky eaters!
- Can be served with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious Healthy Sesame Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Sesame Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, tossing to coat evenly.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Healthy Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or broccoli, to the skillet for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make sure to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish healthier.
- Don’t skip the sesame seeds; they add a delightful crunch!
How to Serve
This Healthy Sesame Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair it with creamy garlic pasta for a unique twist that your family will love.
- Top with additional green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
- For a lighter option, serve it over a fresh salad with a sesame dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead, this dish is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Now that you have this Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe in your back pocket, you’ll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again! It’s a fantastic option for quick family dinners and fits perfectly into your collection of weeknight dinner ideas. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do!
Healthy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Sauces and Condiments
- 5 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low Sodium)
- 1-2 Teaspoons Hot Sauce (*Optional for heat)
- 2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Ground Ginger
- 1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch
- 2 Tablespoons Water (Cold will mix best)
Main Protein
- 2 Pounds Chicken Thighs (or Chicken Breast (less fat))
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
Seasonings
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil (Toasted (or Other Oil))
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil to prepare the sauce.
- Coat chicken with cornstarch and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Stir-fry chicken with sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
