Irresistibly Crunchy Sesame Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Succulent chicken pieces dance with a golden, crunchy sesame coating that promises pure culinary delight.

This sesame chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy texture and savory-sweet harmony.

The aromatic sesame seeds create a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe that rivals any takeout favorite.

The simple ingredients and straightforward technique make this meal a weeknight champion.

Prepare to savor a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve Sesame Chicken Over Steamed Veggies or Rice

• Veggie Bed Companion: Serve this sesame chicken atop a colorful mix of steamed broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for a nutritious and vibrant plate that adds extra vitamins and crunch.
• Asian-Inspired Bowl: Create a complete meal by placing the chicken over brown rice, garnishing with extra sesame seeds, and adding a small side of pickled cucumber for a tangy contrast.
• Fresh Salad Partner: Slice the sesame chicken and arrange it over a crisp mixed green salad with mandarin orange segments, creating a light and refreshing dining experience that balances warm protein with cool greens.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with separated compartments for chicken, rice, and vegetables, making it an excellent option for healthy lunches during busy workweeks.

Store It in Containers for Meal Prep Days

• Prepare multiple servings of sesame chicken in advance, storing individual portions in airtight containers for quick weekday meals. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience.
• Separate cooked chicken and sauce before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Store in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months, allowing easy reheating without compromising taste quality.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Microwave works as a quick alternative, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Keep sauce separately from chicken when storing to prevent sogginess. Mix just before serving to maintain the crispy chicken exterior and vibrant flavors, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal every time.

FAQs

• Is whole wheat flour necessary for this recipe?

Whole wheat flour adds a healthier twist and helps create a light, crispy coating for the chicken. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular all-purpose flour or almond flour.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts. Just ensure you trim any excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace whole wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Also, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to ensure the entire dish remains gluten-free.

• What if I don't have fresh ginger?

If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can use ground ginger powder. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Healthy Sesame Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source that provides a tender, mild base for this vibrant dish, selecting fresh cuts ensures maximum flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps coat chicken with a light, crispy layer, choose free-range eggs for richer nutrition.

• Whole Wheat Flour: Healthier alternative to traditional white flour, adds nutty undertone and provides light, crisp coating.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use sea salt for mineral-rich seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground delivers more robust taste.

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides umami depth with reduced salt content, select organic varieties for cleaner flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances sauce's savory elements, raw honey offers more nutritional benefits.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust flavor, fresh minced garlic provides more intense taste than pre-chopped.
• Ginger: Brings warm, zesty notes and aids digestion, choose fresh root for maximum potency.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal, toasting enhances their rich, earthy flavor.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color, thinly slice for delicate texture.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes distinctive nutty aroma, use sparingly for intense flavor.

Tools to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken Easily

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise chicken cutting.
• Non-Stick Pan: Essential for cooking chicken evenly without sticking.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce components smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient portions.
• Spatula: Helps toss chicken in sauce and prevents burning.
• Serving Plate: For presenting the final sesame chicken dish.

Cook Healthy Sesame Chicken That’s Sweet and Savory

• Slice Chicken Into Perfect Bites

Grab those chicken breasts and transform them into delightful, uniform pieces that’ll cook like a dream. Dust lightly with whole wheat flour, adding just a whisper of salt and pepper for that flavor boost.

• Create Golden

Fire up your non-stick pan with a splash of sesame oil. Dance those chicken pieces around until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, ensuring each morsel is cooked to tender perfection. Work in batches to let each piece shine.

• Whip Up Flavor Explosion

Blend soy sauce, honey, crushed garlic, and zesty ginger into a sauce that’ll make taste buds dance. Pour this liquid gold over your chicken, letting it bubble and caramelize for a few delicious moments.

• Garnish With Flair

Shower your creation with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Nestle your masterpiece on a bed of steamed brown rice or vibrant vegetables for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is nutritious.

Tips That Keep This Chicken Crisp and Light

• Slice and coat chicken ahead of time, storing in an airtight container for quick weeknight dinners. Refrigerate for up to 2 days before cooking.
• Replace whole wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch to make the recipe totally gluten-free and safe for sensitive diets.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for those who love extra heat, or keep it mild for kids and spice-sensitive family members.
• Experiment with tofu or lean turkey as chicken alternatives for vegetarians or those wanting to switch up protein sources. Press and drain tofu thoroughly to achieve the best crispy texture.
• Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carbohydrate friendly option that keeps all the delicious flavor intact.

Crispy Sesame Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sesame chicken from China brings a lighter, protein-packed twist to classic takeout favorites. Lean protein and nutty sesame seeds combine for a quick, nutritious meal you can easily enjoy at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsps honey (or maple syrup)
• ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (slurry for thickening)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
• Sliced green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then coat lightly with whole wheat flour to create a delicate protective layer.
2. Cooking Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium temperature. Cook chicken pieces until golden brown, working in batches to maintain optimal heat and prevent overcrowding. Ensure each piece achieves a rich, caramelized exterior.
3. Sauce Creation: Combine low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until ingredients form a smooth, integrated sauce with balanced flavor profiles.
4. Combining Elements: Introduce cooked chicken into the prepared sauce, gently coating each piece. Simmer mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and penetrate the chicken, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
5. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. Serve immediately alongside steamed brown rice or a vibrant vegetable medley, completing this nutritious and aromatic dish.

Notes

Manage Chicken Texture: Cut chicken pieces uniformly to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.

Prevent Sauce Burning: Maintain medium-low heat when simmering sauce to avoid caramelization becoming bitter or scorched.

Customize Dietary Needs: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan version or use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option.

Control Coating Technique: Use minimal flour coating to keep dish lighter and reduce unnecessary carbohydrate absorption, ensuring healthier preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 323
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 474mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 73mg