Name: Healthy Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving

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Healthy Sesame Chicken: A Wholesome Delight for Your Taste Buds 🍗🥦✨

1. Introduction

If you’re looking for a tasty, nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Healthy Sesame Chicken. This delectable dish combines succulent chicken pieces with vibrant, crisp vegetables and the delightful, nutty flavor of sesame. It’s a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious lunch, or even as a make-ahead meal prep option. This sesame chicken recipe not only satisfies your cravings for delicious Asian-inspired food, but it’s also a genuinely wholesome dish designed to nourish your body from the inside out. Forget the greasy takeout – let’s dive into the flavorful and healthy world of homemade Healthy Sesame Chicken!

Delicious Healthy Sesame Chicken served on a plate with fresh vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

2. Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe. Make sure you have fresh, high-quality ingredients to maximize the flavor and nutritional value.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into smaller pieces
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color will work, but red or orange adds a nice sweetness)
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving (optional, but highly recommended)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious and authentic Healthy Sesame Chicken. Each step is designed to ensure maximum flavor and perfect texture.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Great flavor starts with a great marinade! Begin by marinating the chicken to ensure it’s infused with delicious flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk together until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them evenly in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or ideally, cover and refrigerate for a few hours (or even overnight) to allow the flavors to deeply meld into the chicken.

Marinating chicken for Healthy Sesame Chicken with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Now it’s time to cook that flavorful chicken! Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Then, add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer (avoid overcrowding). Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total cooking time. Make sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning.

Sautéing marinated chicken in a skillet for a healthy sesame chicken dish, achieving a golden brown color.

Step 3: Add Fresh Vegetables

Time for the veggie power! Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. It’s time to add the vegetables. Toss in the broccoli florets and sliced bell pepper into the same skillet, stirring them. Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant in color. You want them to still have a little bite to them. If you like spicier food, you might love to add some Spicy Dragon Chicken to your menu! You can find the recipe here.

Adding fresh vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers to the chicken in the skillet for Healthy Sesame Chicken.

Step 4: Combine and Garnish Your Sesame Chicken

Almost there! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Once the vegetables are cooked to your satisfaction (tender-crisp is best!), remove the skillet from heat. Serve your flavorful Healthy Sesame Chicken immediately over a bed of freshly cooked brown rice or quinoa. Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for an extra burst of fresh flavor and satisfying crunch!

Tossing chicken and vegetables together in the skillet for a flavorful Healthy Sesame Chicken meal.

4. Storage Tips

Maximize the lifespan of your delicious leftovers! To store leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken, allow it to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months; make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For more dinner ideas, check out our dinner category!

5. Serving Suggestions

This delightful Healthy Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Consider serving it with steamed brown rice, fluffy quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a delicious low-carb option. A fresh and vibrant salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some simply sautéed greens can also complement this dish beautifully, adding extra nutrients, fiber, and contrasting flavors. You might also enjoy this chicken with our recipe for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl!

For a light and refreshing meal, you can serve it with Mediterranean Chicken Gyros that you can find here.

6. FAQs

What makes this sesame chicken healthy compared to takeout?

This Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe is significantly lower in calories, fat, and sodium compared to traditional takeout recipes because it uses lean boneless skinless chicken thighs and incorporates a generous amount of fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables. The use of sesame oil and low-sodium soy sauce allows you to keep the flavor rich and authentic without relying on unhealthy additives or excessive amounts of sugar and salt. If you are interested in more healthy recipes, you can visit Skinny Taste.

Can I use tofu or another protein source instead of chicken in this sesame chicken recipe?

Absolutely! For a delicious vegetarian or vegan option, you can easily substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. Marinate the tofu in the same way as the chicken, and sauté it until it is golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. This works great with our Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Veggies, find the recipe here!

How spicy is this healthy sesame chicken recipe? Can I make it spicier?

As written, this delicious recipe is relatively mild and not spicy at all, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to heat or are feeding children. However, you can easily add a spicy kick to suit your personal preferences! To add heat, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce) directly into the marinade. Alternatively, you can serve the finished dish with a side of chili oil or a drizzle of your favorite spicy sauce. If you like spicy food, another great recipe is our Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey that you can find here.

7. Conclusion

This Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a classic Asian-inspired dish without compromising on health or flavor. It not only pleases your palate with its savory and slightly sweet profile but also fits seamlessly within a balanced and nutritious meal plan. Discover the vibrant flavors, effortless preparation, and wholesome goodness of this dish, and enjoy sharing it with your family and friends. With its blend of simple ingredients and numerous health benefits, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your regular culinary repertoire. You might also enjoy our Chicken Street tacos that you can find here!

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