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A plate of Healthy Sesame Chicken garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, served alongside steamed vegetables and rice.

Healthy Sesame Chicken: Easy Weeknight Meal

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Discover the delicious and nutritious Healthy Sesame Chicken, a perfect weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sesame sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy evenings, offering a balanced dish loaded with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Enjoy a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and water. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli and bell pepper; cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete weeknight chicken meal that is quick, healthy, and full of flavor.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
  • You can substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegan version.
  • For extra flavor, add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots.
  • Prepare the sauce in advance to save time during busy evenings.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Healthy, Low Sodium, Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (roughly 1 cup)
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg