Healthy & Delicious Sesame Chicken
This Healthy Sesame Chicken is lightly pan-seared (not deep-fried) and coated in a glossy sesame-lemon sauce that’s gently sweet, savory, and fresh. Olive oil replaces heavy oils, and honey is used instead of refined sugar. It’s protein-rich, comforting, and perfect with rice or veggies.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
500 g boneless chicken breast, bite-size pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp cornflour
For Sesame Sauce
1½ tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp honey
1½ tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp water
Optional Garnish
Spring onions or parsley
Extra sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare chicken
Toss chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cornflour (if using).
Cook chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Toast sesame seeds
Push chicken aside. Add sesame seeds to the pan and lightly toast for 30 seconds.
Make sauce
Add honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, vinegar, sesame oil, and water.
Stir gently until sauce thickens and coats chicken (2–3 minutes).
Finish
Turn off heat once sauce is glossy and sticky.
Serve
Garnish with herbs or spring onions. Serve warm.
Tips
Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Skip cornflour for a lower-carb version.
Add broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
Air-fry chicken first, then toss in sauce for extra crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this fried?
No, it’s lightly pan-seared—much healthier.
Q: Is it sweet like restaurant sesame chicken?
No, it’s mildly sweet and well-balanced.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1.5 g