Name: Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into 1 inch cubes; 2 Tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot; 1 1/2 Tablespoons gluten free tamari or soy sauce or coconut aminos; 1-2 Tablespoons avocado oil; 1/2 cup water; 3 Tablespoons gluten-free tamari or soy sauce or coconut aminos; 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey; 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil or more to taste; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger; Pinch red pepper flakes (optional); 1 Tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot; 1 Tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a healthy Asian-inspired dinner that's both flavorful and good for you. This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe strikes the perfect balance—crispy, sticky, and packed with warm sesame notes without the guilt.

The image shows a white bowl with three main layers: a base of fluffy white rice, a middle layer of orange-brown glazed chicken pieces covered in white sesame seeds, and green snow peas placed on the side of the bowl. The chicken pieces look shiny and coated with sauce, and a pair of wooden chopsticks, held by a woman's hand, is picking up one piece of chicken. The background surface is white marbled. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always looking for dishes that deliver big on flavor but don’t leave me feeling sluggish. This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe totally fits the bill. It’s easy to whip up after a busy day, and the kids actually ask for seconds — win-win!

Quick & Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, making dinner stress-free on hectic nights.
Gluten-Free & Paleo-Friendly: Uses tamari and arrowroot, so it fits special diets without skimping on taste.
Balanced Sweet & Savory: The maple syrup and tamari glaze create this perfect tangy-sweet glaze you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Crispy Coating: Cornstarch gives the chicken a light, crispy texture—no deep frying needed.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role in this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe. From the tender chicken breast to the mix of savory, sweet, and tangy in the sauce, these elements come together harmoniously. When shopping, try to get the freshest garlic and ginger—you’ll notice the difference!

Flat lay of diced raw boneless skinless chicken breast cubes arranged neatly, a small white bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of dark gluten-free tamari soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl with amber pure maple syrup, a small white bowl of pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, one whole uncracked garlic bulb clove, a small pile of fresh peeled ginger pieces, a few bright red chili pepper flakes, a small white bowl with a runny cornstarch slurry (milky mixture), and a small white bowl with white and tan sesame seeds, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless chicken (breast or thighs): I prefer breast for leaner bites, but thighs bring juiciness—both work beautifully.
Cornstarch (or arrowroot): This creates that lightly crispy coating without oil-heavy frying.
Gluten-free tamari: Adds rich umami without gluten—plus, coconut aminos is a nice alternative.
Avocado oil: Its high smoke point lets you get that nice sear without burning.
Water: Balances the sauce and helps dissolve ingredients for a smooth finish.
Pure maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness that caramelizes gently in the skillet.
Rice vinegar: The subtle acidity cuts through the richness and brightens flavors.
Toasted sesame oil: This little splash makes all the difference—warm, nutty depth.
Garlic & fresh ginger: The foundation of any great Asian-inspired sauce, so fresh is best.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sesame seeds: For that final, toasted crunch and authentic touch.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love this recipe as written, I encourage you to make it your own. Sometimes, a pinch more heat or swapping in chicken thighs instead of breast makes all the difference. Feel free to experiment and find what sings on your palate.

Variation: I’ve tried adding steamed broccoli or snap peas right into the skillet at the end for a vibrant veggie boost—delicious and colorful!
Spicy twist: If you like heat, I add a bit more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Sweet swap: Maple syrup is my go-to, but honey works just as well for that natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a simple meal with three main parts. On the left side of the plate, there is a neat layer of bright green snow peas with smooth, shiny skins. To the right, there is a bed of white rice with a soft, fluffy texture. On top of the rice are several small pieces of brown glazed meat covered in a shiny sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A woman's hand with red nail polish uses chopsticks to pick up a piece of the meat. The background includes a textured white cloth that adds softness to the scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat the Chicken for Crispy Perfection

Start by tossing your diced chicken in a bowl with cornstarch (or arrowroot) and tamari. This simple step is what gives the chicken that light, crispy edge without frying it endlessly. I like to use a fork to mix gently but thoroughly, making sure each piece is coated evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken in Batches

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side, then another 1–3 minutes, turning to cook through. They’ll be opaque and lightly golden. Set each batch aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix water, tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish—so fresh garlic and ginger really shine here.

Step 4: Make the Slurry and Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Once the chicken is cooked and the pan is still warm, whisk the slurry into the sauce, then pour it in. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes translucent. You’ll see the whisk’s path through the glossy sauce—that’s your cue!

Step 5: Toss and Serve Warm

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat each piece with that irresistible sesame sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for a little crunch and nutty finish, then plate it up while it’s warm and inviting.

Top Tip

I learned early on that getting the chicken coating just right makes all the difference. Too much cornstarch and it turns gummy; too little and it won’t crisp up. Here’s what I do now, and it really works:

Even Coating: Use just enough cornstarch to lightly coat—think a thin, dusting layer rather than a thick paste.
Batches Matter: Cooking in batches ensures each piece browns nicely instead of steaming together.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Mince finely and add fresh to the sauce right before cooking; it gives a vibrant punch that jarred versions can't match.
Gentle Simmer: When thickening the sauce, keep the heat medium-low to prevent burning and get a beautifully glossy sauce.

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Healthy Sesame Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving—it adds that little crunch and nuttiness. Sometimes, I chop fresh scallions for a bright, crisp contrast or a few sprigs of cilantro for a fresh herbal kick.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it paleo-friendly. I’ve also served it alongside roasted broccoli or snap peas—it’s all about balancing textures and flavor notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I’ve served this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe over a bed of zucchini noodles with a scatter of chopped peanuts and thai basil—turns dinner into a vibrant, restaurant-worthy dish. Little garnishes like edible flowers or thin cucumber ribbons also make the plate pop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge where it lasts 3-4 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, so expect a jelly-like consistency—easy fix with a quick reheat.

Freezing

Freezing works well too. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it thaws beautifully overnight in the fridge. Just avoid freezing with rice or veggies as they can get mushy.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. This way, that glossy, sticky texture comes back to life—much better than the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for this recipe, giving a juicier and slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly since they’re a bit thicker.

Is this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe truly gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari and ensure your cornstarch or arrowroot is certified gluten-free, this recipe is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

For a vegan version, swap chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. Be mindful to adjust cooking times and avoid using animal-based ingredients like honey, substituting with maple syrup instead.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Great question! You can stir in quick-cooking veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots at the end of cooking. Just sauté them briefly in the skillet before adding the sauce so they stay crisp-tender.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe feels like a hug on a plate to me—it’s simple, wholesome, and comforting, yet fresh and flavorful. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy it is to make weeknight dinners genuinely delicious. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to be on your regular rotation!