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Healthy Sesame Chicken

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Healthy sesame chicken is a better-for-you twist on the classic takeout dish, made with tender chicken pieces coated in a light cornstarch crust and tossed in a flavorful, sweet-and-savory sesame glaze. Quick, one-pan, and full of bold flavor—perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, steamed broccoli, cooked rice or quinoa

Instructions

  1. Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, water, and 1 tsp cornstarch.
  4. Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until glossy and heated through.
  6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or quinoa with optional steamed veggies.

Notes

  • Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Include vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a stir-fry version.
  • Use tamari and gluten-free ingredients for a gluten-free dish.
  • Bake chicken at 400°F as a hands-off option instead of pan-frying.
  • Great with tofu or shrimp as substitutes for chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/healthy-sesame-chicken/