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

There’s something about the sweet and nutty aroma of sesame that always draws me in, and this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe hits just the right notes — crispy, flavorful, and downright satisfying without the guilt. It’s one of those dishes I make when I want a delicious meal that feels special but is surprisingly straightforward to pull off.

This image shows a white plate with one main layer of white rice covering the bottom. On top of the rice, there are pieces of golden-brown chicken coated in a shiny, dark orange-brown sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds. On the left side of the plate, bright green snow peas lay beside the chicken and rice. A pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand picks up one piece of chicken from the center of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. 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 genuinely enthusiastic about this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe because it transforms simple chicken into a dish that has layers of flavor and texture, all while staying gluten-free and paleo friendly. I love sharing a recipe that feels indulgent but is actually pretty nourishing.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples already, which makes it a breeze to whip up on a weeknight.
Freezer and Leftover Friendly: It keeps beautifully in the fridge and reheats well, so meal prep just got tastier.
Flavor Packed: The balance of tangy, sweet, and toasty sesame flavors hits every craving note without feeling heavy.
Gluten-Free & Paleo: This recipe fits nicely into many dietary lifestyles, which is great if you’re cooking for a crowd or watching what you eat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe comes together to create a harmony of flavor and texture. The chicken is tender, the sauce is glossy and rich without heaviness, and a little heat option perks things up just right. I often tweak the ingredients based on what I have on hand, but here’s why these specific ones work so well.

Flat lay of diced raw boneless skinless chicken breast cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark gluten-free tamari sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden avocado oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl of amber pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl containing light rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with dark toasted sesame oil, a small pile of finely minced fresh garlic clove, a small pile of minced fresh ginger root, a pinch of red pepper flakes on a small white ceramic dish, and a small white ceramic bowl of white sesame seeds, all neatly arranged with perfect symmetry, 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

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Lean and tender, these cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and coating in sauce.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot: This helps give the chicken a light, crispy texture when cooked, plus it thickens the sauce beautifully.
Gluten-Free Tamari or Coconut Aminos: Both add that salty, umami kick while keeping it gluten free.
Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point means it’s perfect for frying chicken without burning or adding off-flavors.
Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweetness balances the salty tamari and adds depth to the sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Brings brightness and tang to cut through the richness.
Toasted Sesame Oil: The star of the show — just a little gives that authentic, nutty sesame aroma.
Garlic and Fresh Ginger: These fresh aromatics add a subtle punch and freshness.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch spices things up if you want a little kick without overpowering the dish.
Sesame Seeds: For the perfect finishing touch that adds texture and a pop of visual appeal.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it spicy, a touch sweeter, or prefer a different protein, there’s plenty of room to customize and still get that comforting, nourishing feel.

Variation: I’ve swapped chicken for firm tofu or shrimp with great results, just adjusting cooking time accordingly. It’s a hearty way to keep it plant-based or seafood-inspired.
Spice it up: Adding an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of sriracha after plating is a favorite twist when I’m craving more heat.
Sweetener switch: Occasionally I use a touch of brown sugar or coconut sugar if I don’t have honey or maple syrup handy — just slightly different but still delicious.
Vegetable add-in: Tossing in steamed broccoli or snap peas right at the end gives a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the plate.

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

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface with three layers: steamed white rice forming the bottom layer covering half the plate, glossy brown glazed chicken pieces sprinkled with white sesame seeds placed on top of the rice in the center, and fresh bright green snow peas arranged neatly on the left side of the plate. A woman's hand with red nail polish holds a pair of wooden chopsticks picking up one piece of the chicken. In the background, a white cloth is softly draped. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat the Chicken Just Right

First up, toss your diced chicken breast or thighs with the cornstarch (or arrowroot) and tamari. I usually do this in a medium bowl and use a fork to make sure every piece gets coated evenly. This step is key — it gives the chicken its light crispiness and helps the sauce stick later. Don’t rush it; if you take a moment to mix thoroughly, your chicken will have that perfect texture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in Batches

Heat your avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. I work in batches here because crowding the pan steams the chicken instead of getting that crispy sear we want. Cook each side until golden and the chicken is fully opaque—about 3-4 minutes the first side and up to 3 more on the second. Remove each batch to a clean plate so you’re not mixing raw and cooked.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Sauce While Chicken Cooks

While you’re finishing the chicken, mix together water, tamari, maple syrup or honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. It’s a quick step, but this combo builds the layers of flavor we’re aiming for.

Step 4: Make a Slurry to Thicken the Sauce

Mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water until smooth. This slurry will thicken your sauce perfectly without lumps. It’s a little chef’s trick I swear by every time I make this dish.

Step 5: Bring It All Together in the Pan

Lower your skillet heat to medium-low, whisk the slurry into the sauce mixture—it’ll look a bit milky at this point—and pour it into the pan. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and translucent. Then, toss your cooked chicken back in, stir to coat everything evenly, and let it heat through for a minute or so.

Step 6: Finish with a Toast of Sesame Seeds

Just before serving, sprinkle those sesame seeds on top for a little crunch and visual pop. It’s the little details that make this recipe feel so special in real life.

Top Tip

In my experience, the secret to a fantastic Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe is all in the timing and the sauce consistency. Here’s what I’ve learned to keep it tasting fresh and restaurant-worthy every time I make it.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking chicken in batches means it crisps up and avoids steaming, giving you that perfect bite.
Adjust your sauce thickness carefully: The sauce thickens quickly once the slurry heats—too much thickening and it becomes gluey, so watch it closely.
Use fresh ginger and garlic: It really brightens the sauce and brings authenticity to the flavor profile.
Make it your own with heat: I often add extra red pepper flakes after plating for a surprise kick without overwhelming the dish.

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Healthy Sesame Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love keeping garnishes straightforward — a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few chopped green onions on top. Sometimes, I add a little finely sliced red chili for color and heat. These simple touches make every bite a little more vibrant and delicious.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe are jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or a simple Asian-style cucumber salad round out the meal perfectly. These sides balance the richness of the chicken and keep everything feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken over a bed of shredded cabbage and carrot slaw in a shallow bowl, topped with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil. It looks elegant and adds some crunch and freshness to the plate — impressive but so easy to pull together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Remember that the sauce thickens as it chills, so if it gets too thick, just add a splash of warm water when reheating to bring it back to a saucy consistency.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion the chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

I recommend reheating this sesame chicken gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe suitable for paleo diets?

Absolutely! This recipe uses paleo-friendly ingredients like avocado oil, arrowroot or cornstarch, and coconut aminos or tamari (make sure to use gluten free tamari). It avoids processed sugars by opting for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully thanks to their juicy texture and richer flavor. Just cut them into similar sized cubes and adjust cooking time slightly if needed, ensuring they’re cooked through and tender.

What’s the best way to get a crispy coating without deep frying?

The key is to lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch or arrowroot and cook it in batches over medium-high heat using avocado oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the pieces get a nice sear rather than steam. This technique creates a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensuring that your cornstarch or arrowroot is gluten free, this recipe is fully gluten-free. It’s a great go-to dish for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe has become one of my favorite weeknight staples because it’s approachable yet feels special every single time. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something comforting but still wholesome and nourishing. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and eating this as much as I do — it’s like sharing a little kitchen magic with a friend.