Healthy & Delicious Sesame Chicken: A Quick and Easy Recipe 🍗🥢✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to the world of flavorful and nutritious cooking with our healthy sesame chicken recipe. This homemade sesame chicken offers a perfect balance of taste and health benefits, making it an ideal choice for a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch. Whether you’re searching for a low-carb sesame chicken option or a quick sesame chicken meal that can be prepared in minutes, this recipe has got you covered. Filled with tender chicken, fragrant sesame seeds, and a savory sauce, this dish is designed to deliver maximum flavor without compromising your health goals.
2. Ingredients for Healthy & Delicious Sesame Chicken
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium for healthier options)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Quick & Healthy Sesame Chicken
Preparation of Chicken
Cut the chicken into thin strips, ensuring they are evenly sized for quick cooking. Marinate briefly in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic to enhance flavor and tenderness. This marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also amplifies the overall taste of your healthy sesame chicken.
Searing the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. For a faster and more convenient cooking process, consider using an Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 to cook the chicken evenly and retain juiciness.
Adding the Sauce and Sesame Seeds
Lower the heat slightly and pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and stir gently. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. For easy slicing and preparation, a Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer can help prep ingredients faster.
Final Touch and Serving
Garnish the sesame chicken with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or noodles. For an extra healthy touch, pair with a side of leafy greens or Asian-inspired salads. To keep your meal balanced and nutritious, consider a side salad from our refreshing blackberry avocado arugula salad.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken
Allow the sesame chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet or TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven for best results. Ensure the dish is heated thoroughly to maintain both safety and flavor. For longer storage, consider freezing in JoyJolt glass containers.
5. Serving Suggestions for Healthy & Delicious Sesame Chicken
This homemade sesame chicken pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or shredded lettuce for a light and nutritious meal. For carb-conscious eaters, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Enhance your dining experience by adding extra sesame seeds or a splash of sesame oil for a richer flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, thanks to its quick preparation time and wholesome ingredients.
6. Benefits of Choosing Healthy & Low-Carb Sesame Chicken
Opting for this healthy sesame chicken provides numerous health benefits, including reduced calorie intake, low carbohydrate content, and increased protein. Using fresh ingredients and minimal oils makes this recipe a guilt-free indulgence. The sesame seeds add healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting your overall well-being while enjoying a flavorful meal.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Sesame Chicken
Is sesame chicken healthy?
Yes, when prepared with fresh ingredients and healthy substitutions such as low-sodium soy sauce and minimal sugar, sesame chicken can be a nutritious and delicious meal that supports your health goals.
Can I make low-carb sesame chicken?
Absolutely! To make this dish low-carb sesame chicken, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free, low-carb sauce option.
How quick is this sesame chicken recipe?
This quick sesame chicken recipe can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
What are some healthy side dishes to serve with sesame chicken?
Consider serving with steamed vegetables, a side salad, or zucchini noodles to keep the meal light and nutritious. These options complement the sesame chicken perfectly and help maintain a healthy meal balance.
8. Final Tips for Making the Best Healthy & Delicious Sesame Chicken
For optimal flavor, toast your sesame seeds beforehand and use fresh ginger and garlic. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your taste preference. Remember to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. With these tips, your homemade sesame chicken will turn out perfectly every time. To explore more healthy Asian-inspired dishes, check out our spicy honey Sriracha salmon bowls.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, this healthy sesame chicken recipe proves that you can enjoy a nutritious, flavorful, and quick meal without sacrificing taste. Easy to prepare and filled with wholesome ingredients, it is the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re seeking a low-carb sesame chicken variation or just a fast, homemade dish, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Try it today and savor a satisfying, healthful meal that your whole family will love!
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Healthy & Delicious Sesame Chicken: A Quick and Easy Recipe
Enjoy a healthy and delicious sesame chicken that is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. This wholesome recipe combines tender chicken, toasted sesame seeds, and a savory sauce, making it perfect for a nutritious dinner or lunch. Low in carbs and rich in protein, it’s ideal for health-conscious food lovers seeking a fast, satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium for healthier options)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into thin strips and marinate briefly in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Lower the heat and pour remaining marinade into the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat evenly. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and stir gently. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Notes
- For added flavor, toast sesame seeds before adding them to the dish.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to suit your taste.
- Cooking the chicken just until tender ensures it remains juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low-Carb, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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