Healthy Sesame Chicken: Easy & Delicious
Your New Go-To Healthy Takeout Dinner.
This easy and delicious healthy sesame chicken is better than takeout, paleo, and gluten-free, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
I remember one rainy Tuesday evening, curled up on the sofa, just longing for some good old sesame chicken. But then I started thinking about all the hidden sugars and additives. I mean, sometimes you just want the *flavor*, you know? So, I started playing around in my kitchen, determined to create a version that felt just as indulgent but was packed with real, honest ingredients. After a few attempts, balancing the coconut aminos with a touch of honey and that lovely ginger kick, this recipe was born. It’s become such a staple, bringing smiles to our dinner table without any of the post-takeout guilt. It honestly tastes even better than the restaurant version, and the aroma filling the house? Pure comfort.
Why You'll Adore This Healthy Sesame Chicken
- •It’s genuinely better than takeout, I promise!
- •Comes together in about 35 minutes – perfect for busy evenings.
- •Uses wholesome, real ingredients – no weird stuff here.
- •Naturally paleo and gluten-free, making it inclusive for many diets.
- •The sauce is perfectly balanced: sticky, savory, and just a little sweet.
- •Super versatile; pairs wonderfully with so many sides.
“Wow, this healthy sesame chicken is a game-changer! My family devoured it, and they had no idea it was a healthier option. The sauce is absolutely incredible – so flavorful and perfectly balanced. Definitely making this again and again!”
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs tend to stay more moist and flavorful, but breasts work beautifully too! Cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Patting them super dry is key for that crispy coating.
- Coconut Aminos: This is your gluten-free, soy-free alternative to soy sauce. It has a slightly sweeter, milder flavor, so don't be tempted to swap it back unless you know what you're doing with the other ingredients. It's truly a pantry staple for healthy Asian-inspired dishes.
- Arrowroot Starch: This is our magic ingredient for both crisping the chicken and thickening the sauce, while keeping it paleo and gluten-free. It gives that lovely glossy finish without any cornstarch. You can find it in most health food aisles or online.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: This isn't for cooking the chicken, but for flavoring the sauce. Its rich, nutty aroma is essential for that classic sesame chicken taste. A little goes a long way!
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Please, use fresh! The vibrant, pungent flavors are crucial for a truly authentic taste. Grate your ginger and mince your garlic just before adding for maximum impact. It makes such a difference, honestly.
Complete Cooking Process
- Gather all your sauce ingredients: coconut aminos, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, and arrowroot starch.
- In a small bowl, whisk everything together until smooth. The arrowroot starch will dissolve, ready to thicken later. Set this aside; it’s going to be the star!
- Cut your chicken into nice, bite-sized pieces. Remember, uniform chunks cook evenly.
- Crucially, pat the chicken *super* dry with paper towels. This step really helps the arrowroot starch stick and ensures a lovely crispy crust.
- Toss the dried chicken with arrowroot starch, salt, and pepper until each piece is lightly coated.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in batches if needed. Don't crowd the pan! This allows it to sear beautifully rather than steam.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through, usually 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
- Lower the heat to medium-low on your skillet. Give your prepared sauce another quick whisk.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir constantly. Watch it closely; it will start to thicken and become wonderfully glossy in just a couple of minutes.
- Once thickened, return the seared chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to make sure every piece is bathed in that delicious, sticky sauce. Let it warm through for another minute.
- Serve immediately with your favorite healthy sides! I love it with brown rice and steamed broccoli. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for that perfect finish. Enjoy, sweet friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly fine. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out a bit quicker than thighs. Cut them into similar 1-inch pieces.
→What can I substitute for coconut aminos?
If you don't need it to be gluten-free or soy-free, you could use regular low-sodium soy sauce. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different, as coconut aminos are milder and a touch sweeter. If you stick with coconut aminos, it keeps it paleo and gluten-free!
→Can I make this spicier?
Oh, for sure! You can increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce to your liking. Or, serve with a side of sriracha or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick. Always taste and adjust!
→How long does this last in the fridge?
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s actually pretty great for meal prep! Just reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
→What are some good side dishes?
My go-to's are brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. For veggies, steamed broccoli, green beans, snap peas, or a simple side salad would be just lovely! A little crunch from some raw shredded carrots is nice too.
Healthy Sesame Chicken: Easy & Delicious
Enjoy easy + healthy sesame chicken, better than takeout! Paleo & gluten-free with a delicious marinade. Perfect for dinner.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 011.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 021/4 cup arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch)
- 031/2 teaspoon salt
- 041/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 052 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-heat cooking oil)
For the Healthy Sesame Sauce
- 011/2 cup coconut aminos (a soy-free, gluten-free soy sauce alternative)
- 022 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup
- 031 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 041 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 051 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 062 cloves garlic, minced
- 071/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 081 tablespoon arrowroot starch (for thickening)
For Serving & Garnish
- 01Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
- 02Steamed broccoli or green beans
- 032 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 042 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: coconut aminos, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch. Set aside.
Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken with 1/4 cup arrowroot starch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Don't skip drying the chicken; it really helps with the crispy texture!
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook in two batches.
Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. It should have a lovely crispy exterior. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Give the reserved sauce a quick stir, then pour it into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. It will happen pretty quickly!
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat all the pieces evenly in the sticky sesame sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve immediately over your choice of brown rice or cauliflower rice, alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Enjoy your healthy, homemade takeout!
Notes & Tips
- 1For an extra flavor boost, add a tiny splash of fish sauce to the sauce mixture.
- 2If you like a little heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- 3Try adding some thinly sliced mushrooms or bok choy in the last few minutes of cooking with the chicken.
- 4This dish is also lovely served over zucchini noodles or spiralized sweet potato for a lower-carb option.
Tools You'll Need
- •Pat the chicken DRY! This is essential for a crispy coating.
- •Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
- •Whisk the sauce well before adding it to the pan, especially after it's been sitting.
- •Watch the sauce closely as it thickens; arrowroot works quickly!
- •Fresh ginger and garlic make a huge difference in flavor – don't use powdered if you can help it.