Healthy Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Sesame Chicken offers the perfect balance of flavors—savory, sweet, and tangy—while remaining light and healthy. The coconut aminos and toasted sesame oil create a delicious, umami-rich sauce, while honey and lime zest provide the perfect touch of sweetness and acidity. Served with a side of green beans and rice, this dish becomes a complete, balanced meal that’s full of nutrients. It’s simple to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

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

For the Sauce:

• 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

Optional For Serving:

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the cubed chicken breasts and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
3. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Prepare the sides: While the chicken is cooking, steam or sauté the green beans until tender and cook the rice according to package instructions.
5. Serve: Spoon the chicken over a bed of rice and green beans. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Simply press and cube the tofu, then sauté it the same way as the chicken before adding the sauce.
• Spicy Version: Add a small amount of red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the dish for added texture and nutrients.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice to make this meal even lighter.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a pan over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 1 month. Reheat it after thawing for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. They will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the dish.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is already gluten-free if you use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Ensure that the rice vinegar and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

3. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, or stevia, depending on your preference.

4. How do I make this dish spicier?

To add spice, you can stir in some red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha to the sauce. Adjust the heat to your liking.

5. Can I serve this with noodles instead of rice?

Yes, you can serve the sesame chicken with rice noodles, soba noodles, or even zucchini noodles if you prefer.

6. Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, you can use olive oil or coconut oil if preferred. Avocado oil is recommended for its high smoke point, but other oils will work well too.

7. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply heat it before using it with the chicken.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli to the dish for more color and nutrients.

9. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can add the chicken, sauce ingredients, and vegetables to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for a more hands-off approach.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to thicken it up.

Conclusion

Healthy Sesame Chicken is a light yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory and slightly sweet sesame sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With the added nutritional benefits of green beans and rice, this dish is both filling and satisfying. The sesame seeds garnish adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a little more special. Enjoy this dish as a wholesome and tasty meal that’s sure to please the whole family!

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