![For this dish, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 teaspoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving Each serving of this sesame chicken provides: - Calories: 320 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 5g This meal is balanced. You get protein from chicken, fiber from veggies, and healthy fats from sesame oil. You can swap ingredients to fit your taste or diet: - Use chicken breast for a leaner option. - Try agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup for a vegan choice. - Substitute olive oil for sesame oil if you prefer a different flavor. - Add more veggies like snap peas or carrots for extra nutrients. - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. These swaps keep your sesame chicken tasty and healthy while making it fit your needs. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Start by making a tasty marinade. In a bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mix is key for flavor. Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to an hour gives even more flavor. Use a large non-stick skillet or wok for cooking. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken, but save some marinade for later. Cook the chicken until it turns brown and is fully cooked. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Now it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and veggies. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. Then, mix in the cornstarch mixture you prepared earlier to make the sauce even thicker. Once the sauce is thick, it’s time to finish up. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and give it a gentle toss. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Serve your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Don’t forget the final touch: chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy your joyful meal prep with this delicious dish! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken well. Use a mix of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, but an hour is even better. The longer it marinates, the tastier it gets. Make sure to coat every piece of chicken. This way, every bite bursts with flavor. You can make this dish healthier by using less oil and sugar. Try using a sugar substitute like agave nectar. Choose low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. For a fun twist, add extra veggies. Broccoli and bell peppers are great, but snap peas or carrots work too. They add crunch and color without extra calories. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until it turns brown and is no longer pink inside. If you cook it too long, it becomes dry. Another mistake is skipping the cornstarch. This helps the sauce thicken and stick to the chicken. Lastly, don’t forget to stir the veggies. This keeps them crisp and colorful. Enjoy the full recipe for more tips on making this meal a hit! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use the same marinade to keep the flavor. For vegan options, swap honey with maple syrup. This keeps the meal sweet without using animal products. Cook the tofu until golden for a nice texture. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste and works well in marinades. Also, check the rice vinegar to ensure it's gluten-free. With these swaps, you can enjoy this meal without worry. Feel free to experiment with the veggies. You can use snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. Each will add a unique taste and crunch. If you like spicy food, add some red pepper flakes. For a sweeter touch, toss in some pineapple chunks. These swaps will make your sesame chicken exciting every time! For the full recipe, check out the Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken. After enjoying your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken, let any leftovers cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the chicken and veggies together to retain flavor and moisture. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them on the stove for best results. Use medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Stir often until heated through, about 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. For longer storage, freeze your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for tasty results. You can pair Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken with several tasty sides. I love serving it with brown rice or quinoa. They soak up the sauce well and add fiber. You can also add steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas. A fresh salad with crunchy veggies is another great choice. Each option adds color and flavor to your meal. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Just remember, it may be less juicy than thighs. To keep it moist, avoid overcooking. Adjust the cooking time to about 4-6 minutes. This way, you still get a delicious and healthy dish. Store your leftovers in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool the sesame chicken before sealing it. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a big batch. Just divide it into portions and store them in containers. It reheats well, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Pair it with whole grains and veggies for a balanced meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips on meal prep! You now have all the details needed to make Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken. From choosing the right ingredients to following step-by-step cooking instructions, each part of this guide helps you craft a tasty dish. Remember quick tips for flavor and healthy swaps that keep the taste intact. You can even explore variations and proper storage tips to enjoy this meal longer. Use this knowledge to create meals you love and feel good about. Happy cooking!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d2d3d8b2-174c-47c0-a3a5-b3781a2aff87-768x768.webp)
Are you ready to make a dish that’s both tasty and good for you? This Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken recipe is a joy to prep, and it fits perfectly into your meal plan. Packed with flavor and simple to make, it’s perfect for any busy weeknight. Whether you want a quick dinner or something to last, this guide has you covered with easy steps, healthy swaps, and handy tips! Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken
For this dish, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each serving of this sesame chicken provides:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 5g
This meal is balanced. You get protein from chicken, fiber from veggies, and healthy fats from sesame oil.
Healthy Substitutions for Ingredients
You can swap ingredients to fit your taste or diet:
– Use chicken breast for a leaner option.
– Try agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup for a vegan choice.
– Substitute olive oil for sesame oil if you prefer a different flavor.
– Add more veggies like snap peas or carrots for extra nutrients.
– Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
These swaps keep your sesame chicken tasty and healthy while making it fit your needs. Check out the Full Recipe for more details!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps for Marinating the Chicken
Start by making a tasty marinade. In a bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mix is key for flavor.
Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to an hour gives even more flavor.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
Use a large non-stick skillet or wok for cooking. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken, but save some marinade for later. Cook the chicken until it turns brown and is fully cooked. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Now it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp.
Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and veggies. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. Then, mix in the cornstarch mixture you prepared earlier to make the sauce even thicker.
Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
Once the sauce is thick, it’s time to finish up. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and give it a gentle toss. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.
Serve your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Don’t forget the final touch: chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy your joyful meal prep with this delicious dish! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Best Flavor
To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken well. Use a mix of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, but an hour is even better. The longer it marinates, the tastier it gets. Make sure to coat every piece of chicken. This way, every bite bursts with flavor.
Making it Healthier Without Losing Taste
You can make this dish healthier by using less oil and sugar. Try using a sugar substitute like agave nectar. Choose low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. For a fun twist, add extra veggies. Broccoli and bell peppers are great, but snap peas or carrots work too. They add crunch and color without extra calories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until it turns brown and is no longer pink inside. If you cook it too long, it becomes dry. Another mistake is skipping the cornstarch. This helps the sauce thicken and stick to the chicken. Lastly, don’t forget to stir the veggies. This keeps them crisp and colorful. Enjoy the full recipe for more tips on making this meal a hit!
Variations
Vegetarian or Vegan Adaptations
You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use the same marinade to keep the flavor. For vegan options, swap honey with maple syrup. This keeps the meal sweet without using animal products. Cook the tofu until golden for a nice texture.
Gluten-Free Options
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste and works well in marinades. Also, check the rice vinegar to ensure it’s gluten-free. With these swaps, you can enjoy this meal without worry.
Ingredient Swaps for Different Flavors
Feel free to experiment with the veggies. You can use snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. Each will add a unique taste and crunch. If you like spicy food, add some red pepper flakes. For a sweeter touch, toss in some pineapple chunks. These swaps will make your sesame chicken exciting every time!
For the full recipe, check out the Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken, let any leftovers cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the chicken and veggies together to retain flavor and moisture.
Reheating Tips for Best Results
When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them on the stove for best results. Use medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Stir often until heated through, about 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
Freezing Instructions and Tips
For longer storage, freeze your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for tasty results.
FAQs
What can I serve with Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken?
You can pair Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken with several tasty sides. I love serving it with brown rice or quinoa. They soak up the sauce well and add fiber. You can also add steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas. A fresh salad with crunchy veggies is another great choice. Each option adds color and flavor to your meal.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Just remember, it may be less juicy than thighs. To keep it moist, avoid overcooking. Adjust the cooking time to about 4-6 minutes. This way, you still get a delicious and healthy dish.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool the sesame chicken before sealing it. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it.
Is this sesame chicken recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a big batch. Just divide it into portions and store them in containers. It reheats well, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Pair it with whole grains and veggies for a balanced meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips on meal prep!
You now have all the details needed to make Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken. From choosing the right ingredients to following step-by-step cooking instructions, each part of this guide helps you craft a tasty dish. Remember quick tips for flavor and healthy swaps that keep the taste intact. You can even explore variations and proper storage tips to enjoy this meal longer. Use this knowledge to create meals you love and feel good about. Happy cooking!
![For this dish, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 teaspoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving Each serving of this sesame chicken provides: - Calories: 320 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 5g This meal is balanced. You get protein from chicken, fiber from veggies, and healthy fats from sesame oil. You can swap ingredients to fit your taste or diet: - Use chicken breast for a leaner option. - Try agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup for a vegan choice. - Substitute olive oil for sesame oil if you prefer a different flavor. - Add more veggies like snap peas or carrots for extra nutrients. - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. These swaps keep your sesame chicken tasty and healthy while making it fit your needs. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Start by making a tasty marinade. In a bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mix is key for flavor. Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to an hour gives even more flavor. Use a large non-stick skillet or wok for cooking. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken, but save some marinade for later. Cook the chicken until it turns brown and is fully cooked. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Now it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and veggies. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. Then, mix in the cornstarch mixture you prepared earlier to make the sauce even thicker. Once the sauce is thick, it’s time to finish up. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and give it a gentle toss. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Serve your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Don’t forget the final touch: chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy your joyful meal prep with this delicious dish! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken well. Use a mix of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, but an hour is even better. The longer it marinates, the tastier it gets. Make sure to coat every piece of chicken. This way, every bite bursts with flavor. You can make this dish healthier by using less oil and sugar. Try using a sugar substitute like agave nectar. Choose low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. For a fun twist, add extra veggies. Broccoli and bell peppers are great, but snap peas or carrots work too. They add crunch and color without extra calories. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until it turns brown and is no longer pink inside. If you cook it too long, it becomes dry. Another mistake is skipping the cornstarch. This helps the sauce thicken and stick to the chicken. Lastly, don’t forget to stir the veggies. This keeps them crisp and colorful. Enjoy the full recipe for more tips on making this meal a hit! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use the same marinade to keep the flavor. For vegan options, swap honey with maple syrup. This keeps the meal sweet without using animal products. Cook the tofu until golden for a nice texture. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste and works well in marinades. Also, check the rice vinegar to ensure it's gluten-free. With these swaps, you can enjoy this meal without worry. Feel free to experiment with the veggies. You can use snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. Each will add a unique taste and crunch. If you like spicy food, add some red pepper flakes. For a sweeter touch, toss in some pineapple chunks. These swaps will make your sesame chicken exciting every time! For the full recipe, check out the Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken. After enjoying your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken, let any leftovers cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the chicken and veggies together to retain flavor and moisture. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them on the stove for best results. Use medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Stir often until heated through, about 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. For longer storage, freeze your Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for tasty results. You can pair Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken with several tasty sides. I love serving it with brown rice or quinoa. They soak up the sauce well and add fiber. You can also add steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas. A fresh salad with crunchy veggies is another great choice. Each option adds color and flavor to your meal. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Just remember, it may be less juicy than thighs. To keep it moist, avoid overcooking. Adjust the cooking time to about 4-6 minutes. This way, you still get a delicious and healthy dish. Store your leftovers in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool the sesame chicken before sealing it. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a big batch. Just divide it into portions and store them in containers. It reheats well, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Pair it with whole grains and veggies for a balanced meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips on meal prep! You now have all the details needed to make Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken. From choosing the right ingredients to following step-by-step cooking instructions, each part of this guide helps you craft a tasty dish. Remember quick tips for flavor and healthy swaps that keep the taste intact. You can even explore variations and proper storage tips to enjoy this meal longer. Use this knowledge to create meals you love and feel good about. Happy cooking!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d2d3d8b2-174c-47c0-a3a5-b3781a2aff87-250x250.webp)
