Healthy Sesame Chicken is a lighter twist on a classic takeout favorite, featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sesame sauce. This dish balances the nutty taste of sesame seeds with a hint of sweetness and a touch of soy, making each bite satisfyingly tasty without feeling heavy.
I love making this recipe when I want something comforting but still good for me. The sauce comes together so quickly, and using a bit of honey or maple syrup adds just the right sweetness without going overboard. I usually toss in some steamed broccoli or snap peas to get a nice crunch and extra nutrition.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Healthy Sesame Chicken is paired with brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal that’s filling but not too rich. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights because it tastes like a treat but feels good to eat. Plus, the leftovers are great for lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Healthy Sesame Chicken
Chicken Breast: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean protein. If you prefer, thighs work well too and stay juicy. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Broccoli & Bell Pepper: These add crunch and color. You can swap broccoli with snap peas or asparagus, and red bell pepper with yellow or orange if you want a milder touch.
Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce controls saltiness. If you skip hoisin, add a bit extra honey or maple syrup for sweetness. For gluten-free, use tamari instead.
Sesame Oil & Olive Oil: Sesame oil gives that nutty flavor but is strong, so use it sparingly. Olive or vegetable oil works great for cooking and handles the high heat well.
Cornstarch Slurry: This thickens the sauce to a nice shine. You could use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch if cornstarch isn’t available.
How Can You Make This Chicken Dish Have a Perfect Sauce Every Time?
The key to a shiny, well-coated sauce is how you add and cook the cornstarch slurry. Here’s what I do:
- Mix cornstarch with cold water thoroughly before adding to avoid lumps.
- Once you pour the slurry into the hot skillet with sauce and chicken, stir constantly.
- Keep cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it slightly.
Patience here helps the sauce stick well to the chicken and veggies without becoming gluey or runny.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for stir-frying chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Mixing bowl – great for combining your sauce ingredients quickly and easily.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you stir without scratching your pan.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get your sauce ratios just right.
- Small bowl – for mixing the cornstarch slurry before adding to the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian while still keeping protein.
- Add sliced mushrooms or snow peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Use orange juice in the sauce instead of rice vinegar for a fruity twist.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your sesame chicken.
Healthy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (natural sweetener)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This whole recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the chicken and veggies, 10 minutes cooking the chicken and vegetables, and a few final minutes thickening the sauce and garnishing. It’s a quick, healthy dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, until they start to brown and are fully cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets and red bell pepper slices. Stir-fry them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender but still crisp.
4. Combine and Thicken:
Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce evenly over everything. Stir it well, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the chicken and veggies nicely.
5. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, nutty garnish. Serve your healthy sesame chicken hot next to cooked brown or white rice, and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to prevent extra moisture that can interfere with browning.
What Can I Substitute for Hoisin Sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, simply increase the honey or maple syrup slightly for sweetness, or use a bit of BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist. It’s optional, so you can skip it too.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include veggies like snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini to customize the dish to your liking and boost nutrition.
