Healthy Sesame Chicken: My Go-To Weeknight Win! (Print Version)
Whip up a delicious Healthy Sesame Chicken that's quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. My tried-and-true recipe, full of personal tips!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
02 -
3 cups broccoli florets
→ Sauce Magic
03 -
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 -
1/4 cup honey
05 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
06 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
07 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
08 -
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
09 -
1 tbsp cornstarch (plus 2 tbsp cold water for slurry)
→ Finishing Touches
10 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
11 -
2 green onions, sliced
→ Pantry Staples
12 -
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your chicken diced into nice, even bite-sized pieces. You want them about an inch, maybe an inch and a half. Then, chop your broccoli into small florets. I always get everything prepped and ready to go before I even think about turning on the stove – it makes everything so much smoother, honestly. Don't forget to mince that garlic and grate that fresh ginger for your Healthy Sesame Chicken; the smell alone is amazing!
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together your low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This is the heart of your Healthy Sesame Chicken! Then, in a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water until it's completely smooth – no lumps, please! This is crucial. I once added cornstarch directly to the warm sauce, and let's just say it was a lumpy, clumpy disaster. Don't make my mistakes, hon!
03 -
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or your chicken will steam instead of sear, and we want that beautiful golden-brown crust! This is where the magic happens, you'll hear that satisfying sizzle. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it's mostly cooked through.
04 -
Once the chicken is almost done, toss in your broccoli florets. Give everything a good stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes. I like my broccoli with a bit of a bite, so I don't overcook it. It should be bright green and slightly tender-crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can add a splash of water and cover for a minute or two to steam it a bit.
05 -
Now for the grand finale! Pour your prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. Immediately add your cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly. You'll see the sauce start to thicken almost instantly – it's so satisfying! Keep stirring until it's glossy and coats the back of a spoon, about 1-2 minutes. This step is super quick, so be ready!
06 -
Once the sauce is perfectly thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in your minced garlic and grated ginger – I add them at the end to keep their flavors bright and fresh. Then, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve your glorious Healthy Sesame Chicken immediately over brown rice or your favorite grain. The aroma alone will make your mouth water, honestly!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; it'll steam instead of sear, and we want that golden crust!
02 -
Always mix your cornstarch with cold water *before* adding it to the hot sauce to avoid any lumpy surprises.
03 -
Taste the sauce mixture before adding to the pan and adjust sweetness or saltiness to your liking – my preference might not be yours!
04 -
Serving this with a side of fluffy brown rice is a game-changer for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet or wok
02 -
whisk
03 -
cutting board
04 -
sharp knife
05 -
small bowls
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 45g