Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Flavorful: Combines lean protein with a rich, savory sauce for a balanced meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
- Better Than Takeout: Enjoy all the flavors you love with healthier ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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 minced garlic
- 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)
- For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Allow the sauce to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and starts to pull away from the pan.
- Combine and Serve
- Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp to suit different dietary preferences.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweetener Substitution: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked sesame chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What are coconut aminos, and can I substitute them?
Coconut aminos are a soy-free alternative to soy sauce, made from the fermented sap of coconut palms. They have a slightly sweeter and less salty taste compared to traditional soy sauce. If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can substitute them with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option), keeping in mind that this may increase the sodium content of the dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They offer a slightly richer flavor and can remain juicier during cooking. Simply cut them into 1-inch cubes and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Is toasted sesame oil necessary, or can I use regular sesame oil?
Toasted sesame oil provides a distinct, rich sesame flavor that is integral to this dish. Regular (untoasted) sesame oil has a milder taste and won’t impart the same depth of flavor. It’s recommended to use toasted sesame oil for the best results.
How can I make this dish paleo-friendly?
To make this recipe paleo-friendly, ensure all ingredients comply with paleo guidelines. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, opt for a paleo-approved sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and serve the sesame chicken over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables instead of traditional rice.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, give the sauce a good stir before adding it to the skillet.
What sides pair well with Healthy Sesame Chicken?
Print
Healthy Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Healthy Sesame Chicken offers tender chicken in a savory sesame sauce that’s flavorful and nutritious. This quick, 25-minute recipe is a lighter, better-than-takeout meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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 minced garlic
- 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)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and begins to pull away from the pan.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- Vegetable Additions: Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a different protein option.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
