Healthy Sesame Chicken is a lighter take on the classic favorite, packed with tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sesame sauce that’s both sweet and a little nutty. It’s all about that perfect balance of crispy chicken and sticky glaze made with simple ingredients that don’t weigh you down.
I love making this dish when I want something comforting but also want to feel good about what I’m eating. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch and aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while it’s cooking. Plus, it’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight without a ton of fuss.
My favorite way to enjoy Healthy Sesame Chicken is over steamed rice or with a side of sautéed veggies for a complete meal. It’s a dish the whole family can chow down on, and I always find myself going back for seconds. Give it a try—you might find your new go-to weeknight dinner too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps this dish lean and healthy. If you want more juicy meat, chicken thighs work too and add nice flavor.
Cornstarch: This helps give the chicken a light, crispy coating. You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead if you prefer gluten-free options.
Oils: Sesame oil adds great nutty flavor, but you can use olive oil if you don’t have it on hand. Just save the toasted sesame oil for the sauce for that classic taste.
Sweeteners: Honey is my go-to natural sweetener here. Maple syrup works well too, especially for a vegan twist or milder flavor.
Soy Sauce & Hoisin: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps salt in check. Hoisin sauce adds a little depth, but you can skip it if you want a simpler sauce.
How Do You Get the Chicken Crispy Without Using a Lot of Oil?
Coating chicken in cornstarch helps lock in moisture and creates a light crust. Follow these tips:
- Toss chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch and shake off extra to avoid clumps.
- Heat oil well in your pan over medium-high heat before adding chicken—this prevents sticking and encourages browning.
- Cook chicken in batches if needed so pieces aren’t crowded. This helps them crisp up nicely instead of steaming.
- Don’t stir too often; let chicken cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get a golden color.
These steps will help you get tender, crispy chicken with less oil and great flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for cooking chicken evenly and stirring the sauce without spilling.
- Mixing bowl – handy for tossing chicken with cornstarch to coat well.
- Whisk – helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring spoons and cups – make sure you get the sauce balance just right.
- Spatula or tongs – great for turning chicken pieces gently without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breast for tofu to keep it vegetarian while still getting good texture.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh crunch and extra nutrients.
- Use chili flakes or sriracha in the sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Mix in chopped cashews or peanuts for a nice nutty crunch that complements sesame seeds well.
Healthy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil (for cooking)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so around 20 minutes total. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Coat the Chicken:
Put the chicken pieces into a bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss everything well, making sure each piece is covered evenly. Shake off any extra cornstarch so it doesn’t clump.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok on medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until you smell their lovely aroma.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, water, optional hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, around 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Combine and Serve:
Put the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss it with the sauce to coat every piece. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and mix gently to spread them evenly.
Serve the sesame chicken hot over cooked white or brown rice. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for some fresh color and flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning.
Can I Substitute Another Sweetener for Honey?
Definitely. Maple syrup works well as a natural alternative, and you can also use agave nectar or a bit of brown sugar if needed. Adjust amounts to taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Sesame Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Toss in veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers while cooking the garlic and ginger, or steam them separately as a side. This adds color and extra nutrition.