Looking for a quick, healthy dinner that hits all the right notes? This Healthy Sesame Chicken is packed with protein, low in carbs, gluten-free, and loaded with flavor—without the takeout guilt. Juicy chicken cubes are coated in a rich sesame sauce and served over rice and green beans, making it a family favorite that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish in 35 minutes.
- Better for You: Skip the deep-fried version and use wholesome ingredients.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite veggies.
- Family-Friendly: Mild, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
Optional for Serving:
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 2 cups cooked green beans (or broccoli)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients:
Cut chicken into small cubes and cook rice and green beans as directed. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until browned on all sides, about 10–12 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
While chicken cooks, whisk together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, lime zest and juice, and black pepper. - Cook the Sauce:
Pour sauce into the hot pan (no need to clean it!) and cook 3–5 minutes over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble and thicken, stirring constantly. - Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly. - Serve:
Plate the chicken over rice and green beans, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Substitutions & Tips
- Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for thighs or tenders.
- Veggies: Use broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers instead of green beans.
- Oil: Avocado oil can be replaced with olive or coconut oil.
- Sauce: Coconut aminos can be swapped with low-sodium soy sauce; honey can be replaced with maple syrup.
- Paleo Option: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan or microwave until heated through.
This Healthy Sesame Chicken is a weeknight lifesaver—fast, flavorful, and wholesome. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving takeout without the guilt!