I remember the first time I made Healthy Sesame Chicken. The aroma of ginger and sesame filled the kitchen, wrapping around me like a warm hug. As I watched the chicken turn a beautiful golden brown, I felt a sense of pride. Cooking this dish reminds me of those simple moments spent with family, gathering around the table to share a meal. This recipe is special because it turns a classic takeout favorite into a healthier home-cooked option. You get the same rich flavors but with ingredients that are good for you. I love that it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive when serving guests.
why make this recipe
Healthy Sesame Chicken is a great choice for many reasons. It combines delicious flavors with nutritious ingredients, making it a satisfying meal without the guilt. By using chicken breast, fresh ginger, and toasted sesame seeds, you get a source of lean protein and healthy fats. Plus, the use of maple syrup and low sodium soy sauce gives it that sweet and savory taste that is irresistible. This recipe is also simple, meaning you won’t spend hours in the kitchen, and it’s quick enough for busy weekdays.
how to make Healthy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast strips
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Maple syrup
- Low sodium soy sauce
- Dry sherry
- Five spice
- Fresh ginger
- Peanut oil
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the maple syrup, low sodium soy sauce, dry sherry, five spice, and grated fresh ginger to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken breast strips to the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and coat chicken strips with toasted sesame seeds.
- Cook chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve while hot.
how to serve Healthy Sesame Chicken
Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken on a plate, garnished with extra sesame seeds or green onions if desired. It pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad. You can also add some sautéed vegetables on the side for a colorful and nutritious meal.
how to store Healthy Sesame Chicken
To store any leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken, let it cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
tips to make Healthy Sesame Chicken
- Make sure to let the chicken marinate for the full 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
- If you can’t find five spice, you can use a mix of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup and soy sauce according to your taste for sweetness and saltiness.
- For a crunchier texture, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before coating the chicken.
variation
You can easily make this recipe your own by using different proteins like tofu or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu, and follow the same marinating and cooking process. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the skillet for added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use other oils instead of peanut oil?
Yes, you can use any cooking oil you prefer, like vegetable or canola oil. Peanut oil is great for its high smoke point and nutty flavor, but others work well too.
2. What can I serve with Healthy Sesame Chicken?
It goes well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables for extra crunch and nutrition.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Print
Healthy Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
A healthier take on a classic takeout favorite, combining delicious flavors with nutritious ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast strips
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon five spice
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
Instructions
- Mix the maple syrup, low sodium soy sauce, dry sherry, five spice, and grated fresh ginger to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken breast strips to the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and coat chicken strips with toasted sesame seeds.
- Cook chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve while hot.
Notes
For a crunchier texture, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before coating the chicken. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness by varying the amount of maple syrup and soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg