Name: Healthy Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil; 1/4 cup coconut aminos; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced; 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); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish; 2 cups cooked green beans; 1 cup cooked white rice

Healthy Sesame Chicken is everything you crave in a weeknight dinner—quick, vibrant, and loaded with bold flavor! The best part: it fits any mood or craving thanks to Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, giving you flexibility with taste and texture. This dish brings together juicy chicken cubes in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and finished with zesty lime. Whether you love meal-prepping or spontaneous dinner parties, this Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe will be your new obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll discover serious flavor magic in every bite. Each one has a specific role, from the tenderness of the chicken to the brightness of lime—and those sesame seeds? Pure finishing glory.

Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs: Chicken breasts keep it lean and quick-cooking, while thighs bring extra juiciness if you prefer.
Avocado oil: A neutral, heart-healthy oil perfect for sautéing without overpowering the flavor.
Coconut aminos: This soy-sauce alternative adds deep, umami character with a little sweetness.
Honey: Lends a glossy finish and natural sweetness that balances the tangy and salty notes.
Toasted sesame oil: Brings rich, nutty undertones that truly define sesame chicken!
Ground ginger: Adds a warm, spicy kick—use fresh for even bolder flavor, or dried for convenience.
Garlic cloves (minced): Essential for savory depth; fresh is best for punchy flavor.
Rice vinegar: Offers tang without harshness, keeping the sauce light and bright.
Black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
Lime zest and juice: Bright and zippy, lime wakes up the whole dish and keeps it from feeling heavy.
Sesame seeds: Their gentle crunch and nuttiness complete the sesame theme perfectly.
Cooked green beans: Crisp-tender green beans lighten up your plate; swap with broccoli if you like.
Cooked white rice: The fluffy base to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce.

How to Make Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Sides

Start by cubing your chicken into 1-inch pieces. Remember—Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs at this very step, giving you options based on preference or what’s in your fridge. If you haven’t already, get your rice and green beans cooking so they’ll be ready just as the chicken comes together.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Warm avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes in a single layer. Let them sizzle and develop a golden, slightly crispy edge, turning occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Well-browned pieces mean more flavor, no matter if you stick with breasts or go with Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl. The aroma instantly tells you: this sauce will be special.

Step 4: Make the Sauce in the Pan

When the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate. Don’t clean out the pan—the browned bits add flavor! Pour in your sauce and let it bubble for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. The sauce should thicken slightly, becoming glossy and fragrant. Watch closely: you want sticky not burnt.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the shimmering sauce. Let it all mingle for a minute, then spoon the chicken over your hot rice and green beans. Finish with a shower of sesame seeds and maybe an extra squeeze of lime. Get ready—Healthy Sesame Chicken is going to disappear fast!

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken

Garnishes

No sesame chicken is complete without a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest for zing. If you like color, try adding sliced green onions or a scatter of fresh cilantro right before serving. These garnishes don’t just look pretty—they add an aromatic pop that makes Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs even more unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Steamed green beans and fluffy white rice are a classic combo, but there’s room to play! Broccoli florets, sautéed snow peas, or even stir-fried cabbage work wonderfully. Any grain with a neutral flavor—think brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa—helps soak up that irresistible sauce and keeps things light. With Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, easy sides are always a match.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make Healthy Sesame Chicken the star of your table? Try serving it in lettuce wraps for crunchy handheld bites, or pile it atop a fresh Asian slaw for a no-rice, veggie-packed bowl. You could also skewer the cooked chicken and lay it over a bed of sesame noodles, letting everyone help themselves family-style—it’s fun, fast, and showcases how adaptable Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs can be in any format.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight—making leftovers a real treat. If you’re planning on meal-prepping, portion out the rice and green beans separately for best texture.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer, Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs both freeze beautifully after cooking. Place cooled chicken and sauce (without rice or veggies) in a zip-top bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but cover and stir halfway through so the chicken heats evenly and the sauce stays glossy. Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs stays tender and juicy, even on round two!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Coconut aminos are naturally gluten-free, and as long as you serve with gluten-free grains (or cauliflower rice), you’re set. Just double-check the brands you use for rice vinegar or honey if you have any concerns.

What can I use instead of avocado oil?

If you’re out of avocado oil, light olive oil or even refined coconut oil are great alternatives. They’ll keep the chicken moist without changing the flavor profile.

Is it okay to use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice and zest add so much brightness, but bottled will work in a pinch. If you can, try to use at least fresh zest—it makes Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs really pop.

Can I make a bigger batch for meal prep?

Definitely! Simply double (or triple) all the ingredients. Fry the chicken in batches to get a nice sear, and combine with the sauce at the end. Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs holds up perfectly when made ahead and reheated.

How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess?

This recipe is very forgiving. If you love sweeter sesame chicken, add an extra teaspoon of honey. For more tang, increase the lime juice or rice vinegar a splash at a time until it tastes just right to you.

Final Thoughts

If you love flavorful, wholesome meals with customizable options, you’ll fall hard for this Healthy Sesame Chicken. Next time you’re craving takeout, remember that with Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, you’ve got a delicious, healthier dinner—fast! I can’t wait for you to give it a go and share your own favorite twists!