Healthy Sesame Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings together the savory flavors of chicken with a delightful sesame sauce. This meal is not only satisfying but also packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to whip up some Healthy Sesame Chicken. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. This dish is a great way to incorporate lean protein and fresh vegetables into your diet. Plus, it uses natural sweeteners and healthy oils, making it a healthier alternative to takeout. The delectable combination of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser as well!
How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (zest of one lime)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice of one lime)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Directions:
- Prep your chicken by cutting it into small cubes.
- Cook the white rice and green beans according to their directions.
- In a pan, heat the avocado oil for about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken to the pan and sauté over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the hot pan (no need to clean it beforehand!) and cook for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble, stirring consistently.
- The sauce will thicken quickly, but be careful to watch it to prevent burning.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and coat it in the sauce.
- Serve the sesame chicken over the cooked rice and green beans.
How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken
Healthy Sesame Chicken can be served as a complete meal by placing the saucy chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice and a side of green beans. Optionally, you can sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
How to Store Healthy Sesame Chicken
To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil if needed, but avocado oil has a higher smoke point.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Variation
If you want to change things up, try adding quinoa instead of rice for a different grain. You can also swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp to accommodate different dietary preferences.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before cutting and cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the coconut aminos are labeled gluten-free, this dish is a great option for those who are gluten-sensitive.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. Just ensure to keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to heat and serve.
Enjoy this delightful and healthy twist on a classic dish with Healthy Sesame Chicken! Soup up your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe.
Healthy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cups cooked green beans
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (zest of one lime)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice of one lime)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Prep your chicken by cutting it into small cubes.
- Cook the white rice and green beans according to their directions.
Cooking
- In a pan, heat the avocado oil for about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken to the pan and sauté over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 10-12 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the hot pan and cook for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble, stirring consistently.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and coat it in the sauce.
Serving
- Serve the sesame chicken over the cooked rice and green beans.