Looking for a delicious and healthier twist on the beloved sesame chicken? This Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe is a perfect choice for anyone craving a lighter version of the classic dish. Featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful homemade sesame sauce, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 green onions, chopped
Cooked rice, for serving
Directions:
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until well combined.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Flavor: Now Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring to coat. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well coated.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to combine. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the sesame chicken over cooked rice.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Rice: Serve the Healthy Sesame Chicken over a bed of cooked rice to make a complete meal. For a healthier option, you can use brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to boost the nutritional value and add a colorful touch to your dish.
Garnish: Garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Sauce: For extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of additional sesame sauce over the chicken just before serving.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Avoid Freezing Rice: If you’re freezing leftovers, it’s best to store the chicken separately from the rice, as rice tends to lose its texture when frozen and reheated.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to the dish. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make the Healthy Sesame Chicken gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute in place of regular soy sauce. Also, check that your sesame oil and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When ready to use, give it a good stir before adding it to the chicken.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to the Healthy Sesame Chicken, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a few drops of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Conclusion:
This Healthy Sesame Chicken is a nutritious and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With a delicious homemade sauce and easy preparation, it’s both satisfying and light. Enjoy this healthier alternative with your favorite rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
📖 Recipe:
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Healthy Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite with this Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a delicious homemade sesame sauce, offering a lighter and nutritious twist on traditional sesame chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 green onions, chopped
Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until well combined.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring to coat. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the sesame chicken over cooked rice.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Adjust the amount of honey if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 290 kcal
