Healthy Sesame Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero: tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet, tangy sesame sauce, all made with wholesome ingredients you can actually feel good about. This recipe features the keyphrase Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, making it wonderfully flexible no matter what you have on hand. Whether you’re craving classic comfort or need a quick meal that’s protein-packed and loaded with flavor, this dish nails those takeout and health food cravings in one swoop! Plus, it’s naturally gluten free and comes together faster than your favorite delivery spot, making it a dinnertime favorite in my kitchen.

Chicken - You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for Healthy Sesame Chicken. Each ingredient is simple yet truly essential—working together for bright, bold flavor and the most mouthwatering texture, right down to that glossy sauce. Trust me: don’t skip anything on this list!

Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs: Cubed chicken cooks up juicy and tender; chicken thighs add an even richer flavor if you prefer.
Avocado oil: Perfect for high-heat searing, giving the chicken a beautiful golden exterior.
Coconut aminos: A savory, naturally gluten free alternative to soy sauce, with subtle sweetness.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible, glossy finish.
Toasted sesame oil: Depth and nutty aroma are absolutely essential to an authentic sesame chicken vibe.
Ground ginger: Delivers warm, zesty undertones to balance the sauce.
Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses every bite with savory, aromatic flavor.
Rice vinegar: The touch of acidity brightens the whole dish and balances the sweetness.
Black pepper: A little kick for gentle heat and harmony.
Lime zest: Lifts up the sauce with a pop of freshness.
Lime juice: Cuts through richness so the sesame sauce stays lively and vibrant.
Sesame seeds: For that classic finishing touch and subtle crunch.
Cooked green beans (optional): Amazing for color, crunch, and bonus nutrition.
Cooked white rice (optional): The perfect soak-up-every-bit base for this bold sesame glaze.

How to Make Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or remember, chicken – you can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs for even juicier bites) into one-inch cubes. This ensures every piece cooks evenly and absorbs all that flavorful sauce later! While you’re at it, get your green beans and rice cooking so everything is ready to come together at the end.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your avocado oil in a skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat for about a minute, so it’s hot but not smoking. Add the chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply golden and cooked through—about 10 to 12 minutes. This step locks in moisture and gives you those tiny crispy edges we all love in sesame chicken!

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

While the chicken is sizzling, combine coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and fragrant. The smell alone will get your mouth watering!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside for just a few minutes. Pour your prepared sauce into the same pan—the leftover little bits from the chicken add another layer of flavor! Cook over medium-high, stirring constantly, until the sauce bubbles up and thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the honey doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Coat and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing well to coat every morsel in the glossy sesame sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra crunch and that classic look. Now you’re ready to build your bowl!

How to Serve Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of sesame seeds gives this dish its signature look and a satisfying little crunch. Freshly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro brighten up the plate and add fresh color. For a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes is never a bad idea!

Side Dishes

Healthy Sesame Chicken shines alongside a bowl of fluffy white rice that catches every last drop of the savory-sweet sauce. If you’re feeling extra virtuous (and let’s be real—sometimes we are!) steamed green beans, broccoli, or even sautéed snap peas are perfect, crisp partners. They add color and round out your meal with extra fiber and greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, family-style dinner, serve everything deconstructed on a platter: spread out the rice, pile on the glistening chicken, and surround with your favorite vegetable sides. You can also stuff the Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs mixture into lettuce cups for a light, hand-held bite, or toss it over a big salad of crunchy romaine, shredded carrots, and cucumber for a vibrant lunch bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so your next-day lunch may taste even more delicious than the original dinner. Place rice and green beans in separate containers to keep textures just right.

Freezing

If you want to stash away that sesame goodness for later, Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results and make sure to keep the sauce and chicken together, so nothing gets dried out.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat chicken in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover the dish so it stays moist. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! In fact, Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs anytime in this recipe. Thighs will give you even more flavor and a little extra juiciness, which is delicious in sesame chicken.

Is Healthy Sesame Chicken really gluten free?

Yes! As long as you use coconut aminos (or a certified gluten free soy sauce), this dish is entirely gluten free. Double-check your other condiments if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

What vegetables can I swap in for green beans?

Feel free to get creative! Broccoli, snow peas, bok choy, or even bell peppers make fantastic swaps. The goal is something crisp and tender that soaks up any extra sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients a day or two in advance and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, everything comes together even faster!

How do I keep my chicken from drying out?

The secret is not to overcook it. Cut your chicken—remember, chicken – you can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs—into uniform pieces and keep a close eye while searing. Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s cooked through for the juiciest result.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about making a takeout favorite, like Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, right at home with fresh, healthy ingredients. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. Try it yourself and watch this one become a regular at your dinner table!