Name: Healthy Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil); Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option); 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavor); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce); 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch, if using); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; Optional: Steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for serving; Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs provides a lean source of protein without excess fat. Chicken thighs offer a slightly richer flavor, but breasts are a great low-fat option.; Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is the star ingredient that adds a deep, nutty flavor to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the soy sauce for that signature Asian-inspired taste.; Honey: Honey is used to sweeten the sauce, but you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re vegan or prefer a plant-based sweetener.; Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are used for garnish, adding both texture and additional flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch, if using)

For Topping and Garnish:

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional: Steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for serving

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs provides a lean source of protein without excess fat. Chicken thighs offer a slightly richer flavor, but breasts are a great low-fat option.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is the star ingredient that adds a deep, nutty flavor to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the soy sauce for that signature Asian-inspired taste.
Honey: Honey is used to sweeten the sauce, but you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re vegan or prefer a plant-based sweetener.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are used for garnish, adding both texture and additional flavor to the dish.

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season the pieces with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the chicken pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Make the Sesame Sauce:

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger (if using). If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a separate bowl to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce mixture.
Simmer the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (if using cornstarch) and becomes glossy.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

Toss the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through and the flavors are well combined.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish: Once the chicken is coated in the sauce, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with sliced green onions.
Serve: Serve the Healthy Sesame Chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or with your favorite vegetables. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g