If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea, this Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe is just the ticket! I remember one Thursday evening when my son, Jake, was starving after soccer practice. I whipped this up in no time, and he devoured it, asking for seconds. Who knew healthy could taste so good?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a family favorite.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies.
Pure Comfort
This dish brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table, making it a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing taste.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp sesame oil – For cooking; can substitute with olive oil.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Use tamari for gluten-free option.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp honey – Maple syrup works as a vegan alternative.
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds great flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp ginger, grated – Fresh ginger is best for taste.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup sesame seeds – For coating the chicken; can use panko for crunch.
- 2 cups 2 cups broccoli florets – Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers.
- 1 cup 1 cup cooked brown rice – For serving; quinoa is a great alternative.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers. This will give the chicken a lovely flavor right from the start.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This sauce will add a delicious sweetness and depth to your dish.
- Once the chicken is done, pour the sauce over it in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the pieces. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
- Next, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken, stirring to combine. The seeds will add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Cook for an additional minute to toast them lightly.
- In a separate pot, steam the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and tender, about 3-4 minutes. This will keep them vibrant and delicious. You can also sauté them in the same skillet for added flavor.
- Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of brown rice, topping it with the steamed broccoli. The colors will be so inviting, and your family will be ready to dig in!
- Enjoy your meal together, and don’t forget to share a laugh or two about the day’s events. Family dinners are all about connection.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Mix It Up
- Swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
- Add cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch.
- Mix in other veggies like snap peas or carrots for variety.
Perfect Partners
- Pair with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette.
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FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, the chicken can be frozen before cooking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
You can use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Is this chicken healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.
Conclusion
This Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious meal. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a go-to in your healthy chicken recipes list!
Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil For cooking; can substitute with olive oil.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option.
- 2 tbsp honey Maple syrup works as a vegan alternative.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds great flavor.
- 1 tsp ginger, grated Fresh ginger is best for taste.
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds For coating the chicken; can use panko for crunch.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice For serving; quinoa is a great alternative.
Instructions
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is done, pour the sauce over it in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the pieces.
- Next, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional minute to toast them lightly.
- In a separate pot, steam the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of brown rice, topping it with the steamed broccoli.
- Enjoy your meal together, and don’t forget to share a laugh or two about the day’s events.