Description
Healthy Sesame Chicken is a lighter stovetop version of the takeout classic. Tender chicken cooks in a sweet, savory, citrusy sesame sauce and comes together in about 35 minutes. Serve it with rice and green beans, or use cauliflower rice for a paleo and lower carb meal.
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 minced garlic
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
2 cups cooked green beans, optional
1 cup cooked white rice, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the rice and green beans if serving.
2. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice.
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
6. Pour the sauce into the same skillet.
7. Cook the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it bubbles and thickens.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until the sauce coats every piece evenly.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds.
10. Serve with cooked rice and green beans, if desired.
Notes
Use toasted sesame oil for the signature nutty flavor. Do not replace it with regular sesame oil.
Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders can replace chicken breasts.
Low-sodium soy sauce can replace coconut aminos. However, use coconut aminos to keep the recipe gluten free.
Maple syrup can replace honey.
Fresh grated ginger can replace ground ginger.
If you do not have rice vinegar, leave it out and add a little more coconut aminos.
Broccoli or other vegetables can replace the green beans.
Serve the chicken over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Use cauliflower rice for a lower carb or paleo meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or gently in a skillet.
Freezing should work, although this method has not been specifically tested.
Additional nutrition per serving: potassium 1146 mg, vitamin A 828 IU, vitamin C 17 mg, calcium 108 mg, and iron 3 mg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz cooked chicken, 1 cup green beans, and 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- Calories: 584
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 53 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg