Sesame Chicken: Healthy and Delicious Recipe

Craving the flavors of your favorite takeout but want to keep it nutritious? Look no further than this recipe for Healthy Sesame Chicken Delight! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a homemade version that’s not only delicious but also leaves you feeling light and satisfied. Say goodbye to feeling weighed down after indulging in this nourishing weeknight dinner.

What sets this Healthy Sesame Chicken Delight apart is the unexpected twist of lime zest and juice that adds a burst of freshness to the rich sesame oil sauce. A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish has become a beloved tradition in many households. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or enjoying a cozy Thursday night in, this recipe is a surefire way to please your taste buds and nourish your body from the inside out. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every bite of this delightful dish!

Quick Benefits

• Healthy Alternative to Takeout: Enjoy the sweet, savory flavors of sesame chicken without the guilt, made with clean ingredients that leave you feeling energized.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize the recipe to fit different dietary preferences like keto, paleo, or vegetarian by making simple ingredient swaps or additions.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store the sesame chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen over time, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights.
• Creative Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavor profiles by adding ingredients like almond butter, chili paste, or diced pineapple to create unique twists on the classic dish.

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken: Healthy and Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Nourishing Takeout Alternative: Enjoy the flavors of sesame chicken takeout without the guilt, using clean and wholesome ingredients that leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit different dietary preferences – from keto to paleo to vegetarian – ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
• Bright and Balanced Flavors: The addition of lime zest and juice brings a refreshing brightness to the dish, balancing out the rich sesame oil for a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time as this sesame chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, with flavors deepening over time, making it an ideal meal prep option.
• Versatile Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! The recipe provides flexible alternatives, allowing you to use what’s available in your pantry.
• Creative Flavor Twists: Experiment with different add-ins like almond butter, chili paste, or pineapple to customize the dish to your taste preferences and keep things exciting.
• Texture Variation: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier texture that pairs equally well with the flavorful sauce.
• Vegetable Options: While green beans are recommended, feel free to switch them up with broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to add variety and color to the dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve the sesame chicken with extra veggies for a keto-friendly meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients for Sesame Chicken: Healthy and Delicious Recipe

• 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice of one lime)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Optional for Serving

• 2 cups cooked green beans
• 1 cup cooked white rice

How to Make Sesame Chicken: Healthy and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Prepare white rice and green beans following the instructions on the packages.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

In a pan over medium-high heat, heat avocado oil for 1 minute. Sauté chicken until browned on all sides, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Sauce

Combine coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl while the chicken cooks.

Step 4: Cook Sauce

After cooking the chicken, set it aside. Pour the sauce mixture into the same hot pan without cleaning it. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until bubbling and thickened, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the sesame chicken over cooked white rice and green beans. Sprinkle with sesame seeds as garnish.

Storage Tips

To store the finished healthy sesame chicken dish, ensure it is cooled to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen over time. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, and it can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture.

It is recommended to double the recipe on meal prep days to have ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. Additionally, you can customize the dish based on dietary preferences such as keto or paleo by making simple substitutions like using keto-friendly sweeteners, cauliflower rice, or extra vegetables. Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles by adding almond butter for a creamier texture, chili paste for heat, or diced pineapple for a tropical twist. Chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier texture, and low sodium soy sauce can be substituted for coconut aminos if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a keto-friendly version of this Healthy Sesame Chicken, you can substitute the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener and enjoy the dish over cauliflower rice instead of white rice. This swap will help keep the meal low in carbohydrates while still delivering the delicious flavors of the dish.

If you don’t have coconut aminos on hand, you can easily use low-sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos as a substitute. These alternatives will still provide the salty umami flavor that the recipe requires, ensuring your sesame chicken retains its savory taste.

While the recipe calls for fresh ginger, if you find yourself without it, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried ground ginger as a replacement. The dried ginger will still infuse the dish with its warm and spicy flavor, making it a suitable alternative in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the Healthy Sesame Chicken Delight over a bed of zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice. The zoodles add a refreshing crunch and absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully, making for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

Another fun way to enjoy this dish is to serve the sesame chicken in lettuce cups for a light and satisfying meal. Simply spoon the chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves, sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime juice, and enjoy a delightful fusion of flavors and textures in each bite. This presentation not only looks impressive but also adds an interactive element to your dining experience.

FAQs for Sesame Chicken: Healthy and Delicious Recipe

Can I make this sesame chicken dish ahead of time?

Yes, this sesame chicken stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent meal prep option. You can double the recipe and reheat it in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture.

What are some variations I can try with this sesame chicken recipe?

For keto dieters, substitute the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice. For paleo followers, omit the rice and increase the green beans or add a sweet potato. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu following the same cooking method. You can also experiment with adding almond butter for a creamier sauce, chili paste for heat, or diced pineapple for a tropical twist.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture. They work equally well with the sesame chicken sauce.

What are some alternatives for ingredients if I don’t have them on hand?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use low sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos as substitutes. In place of fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried ground ginger for a similar flavor. While green beans are a great option, you can also try broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to complement the dish.

Conclusion

Cooking at home allows you to create delicious meals like this Healthy Sesame Chicken Delight that not only satisfy your cravings but also nourish your body. By using wholesome ingredients and simple substitutions, you can tailor this recipe to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions without compromising on flavor.

Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with different variations, the key is to enjoy the process of cooking and savoring a homemade meal that is both delicious and good for you. Remember, food is not just about sustenance; it’s also about creativity, exploration, and sharing with loved ones.

So, whip up a batch of Healthy Sesame Chicken Delight, embrace the aroma that fills your kitchen, and relish each bite knowing that you’ve made a mindful choice for your well-being. Here’s to many more culinary adventures and moments of culinary joy as you continue to nourish your body and soul with wholesome, homemade delights like this one.

Sesame Chicken: Healthy and Delicious Recipe

Transform takeout cravings into a nourishing delight with this Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe, brightened by lime zest and perfect for meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineAsian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings2 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice of one lime)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Optional for Serving

• 2 cups cooked green beans
• 1 cup cooked white rice

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Prepare white rice and green beans following the instructions on the packages.
2. Cook Chicken: In a pan over medium-high heat, heat avocado oil for 1 minute. Sauté chicken until browned on all sides, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Prepare Sauce: Combine coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl while the chicken cooks.
4. Cook Sauce: After cooking the chicken, set it aside. Pour the sauce mixture into the same hot pan without cleaning it. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until bubbling and thickened, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Serve: Plate the sesame chicken over cooked white rice and green beans. Sprinkle with sesame seeds as garnish.