Healthy Sesame Chicken
This version of sesame chicken is pan-seared (not deep fried!) and coated in a glossy, slightly sweet sesame sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger. It’s lighter, balanced, and full of flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners when you want comfort food without the heaviness.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Sesame Sauce:
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
½ cup water
2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water, for thickening)
Garnish:
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare chicken:
Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
Cook chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan.
Make the sauce:
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Sauté 1 minute.
Whisk in soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens (2–3 minutes).
Combine:
Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Notes & Tips
Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a veggie boost.
For meal prep, store chicken and sauce separately and combine when reheating.
To make it spicier, add chili flakes or a touch of sriracha to the sauce.
Use chicken thighs for juicier bites; breasts for leaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Yes—coat chicken pieces lightly with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss in the sauce.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh.
Q: How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~310 kcal
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 2g
Sodium: 520mg