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 incredibly comforting about a dish that feels indulgent but is actually nourishing. This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly — crispy, flavorful chicken enveloped in a tangy-sweet sauce that’s light enough for a weeknight but still special enough to impress. I love how easy it is to whip up and how it never loses that fresh, homemade vibe.

The image shows a white bowl with three main layers: a base of fluffy white rice, a middle layer of orange-brown glazed chicken pieces covered in white sesame seeds, and green snow peas placed on the side of the bowl. The chicken pieces look shiny and coated with sauce, and a pair of wooden chopsticks, held by a woman's hand, is picking up one piece of chicken. The background surface is white marbled. 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

This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor without feeling heavy. The balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors is spot on, and the method is approachable even if you’re multitasking in the kitchen.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples on hand, making it easy to put together last minute.
Gluten-Free & Paleo Friendly: It fits beautifully into special diets without sacrificing taste or texture.
Crispy Yet Tender Chicken: Coating the chicken with cornstarch and quickly pan-frying keeps each bite perfectly satisfying.
Versatile Sauce: The sauce balances sweet and savory notes with a subtle heat that you can tailor to your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this recipe really comes down to how the ingredients complement each other. The tamari provides a rich umami base while the maple syrup adds a natural, gentle sweetness. Using arrowroot or cornstarch lends a wonderful crispness to the chicken, and avocado oil withstands the heat perfectly without overpowering the flavors.

Flat lay of diced raw boneless skinless chicken breast cubes arranged neatly, a small white bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of dark gluten-free tamari soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl with amber pure maple syrup, a small white bowl of pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, one whole uncracked garlic bulb clove, a small pile of fresh peeled ginger pieces, a few bright red chili pepper flakes, a small white bowl with a runny cornstarch slurry (milky mixture), and a small white bowl with white and tan sesame seeds, 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

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (or thighs): I love using breasts for a leaner option, but thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor.
Cornstarch (or arrowroot): This creates a light crispy coating that locks in moisture during cooking.
Gluten-free Tamari (or soy sauce/coconut aminos): A savory boost that keeps this recipe gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point makes it perfect for pan-frying without burning.
Water: Used for both the sauce and slurry to help blend flavors and thicken the sauce.
Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweeteners add depth and balance to the salty tamari.
Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity brightens the whole dish.
Toasted Sesame Oil: This packs that unmistakable nutty aroma that makes sesame chicken so iconic.
Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Classic aromatics that awaken the sauce with warmth and spice.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat; adjust to your own preference.
Sesame Seeds: The finishing touch that adds texture and a nutty crunch.

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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 tweak to fit your style or what’s in your kitchen. I tend to switch up the protein sometimes and experiment with different flavor twists.

Variation: I’ve swapped chicken for shrimp or tofu and it still turns out deliciously saucy and satisfying — great for when you want a plant-based or seafood spin.
Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers into the pan during the sauce step for extra crunch and nutrients.
Spice Level: If I’m feeling bold, I increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup gives a nice depth, but sometimes I use a bit of brown sugar or agave depending on what I have available.

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

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a simple meal with three main parts. On the left side of the plate, there is a neat layer of bright green snow peas with smooth, shiny skins. To the right, there is a bed of white rice with a soft, fluffy texture. On top of the rice are several small pieces of brown glazed meat covered in a shiny sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A woman's hand with red nail polish uses chopsticks to pick up a piece of the meat. The background includes a textured white cloth that adds softness to the scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly

Start by tossing your diced chicken in cornstarch and tamari—this creates a light barrier that crisps up beautifully. I usually use a fork to mix evenly, making sure each piece is coated but not clumpy. Using chicken thighs here means it stays juicy under the crispy crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Perfectly

Heating avocado oil over medium-high lets me achieve that golden outside without burning. Working in batches is key — overcrowding the pan steams the chicken and you lose that satisfying crispness. I cook the first side for about 3-4 minutes and then flip for 1-3 minutes until there’s no pink inside.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Flavorful Sauce

While the chicken cooks, I mix tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water. This blend hits all the notes: sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty. Whisk it until everything’s well combined and ready to become the star of the dish.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce Just Right

I make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then add it to the sauce for that perfect silky texture. Pouring the sauce into the pan over medium-low heat lets it bubble and thicken slowly — you’ll notice it becomes glossy and translucent, almost like magic!

Step 5: Toss and Serve With Sesame Seeds

Once the sauce is luscious and thick, returning the chicken to the pan to get fully coated ensures every bite bursts with flavor. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds a subtle crunch and an extra boost of that toasty sesame goodness. Serve warm and dig in!

Top Tip

After making this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make the difference between good and great.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each chicken piece room to crisp up. If the pan gets crowded, your chicken will steam instead of sear.
Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh aromatics pack a punch you can’t get from powders or pre-minced jars.
Slowly Thicken the Sauce: Add your cornstarch slurry gradually and cook on medium-low so the sauce thickens evenly without lumps.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your tamari’s saltiness, you might want a touch more maple syrup or honey to balance it out.

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Healthy Sesame Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions to add freshness and extra texture. Sometimes, I add a few extra red pepper flakes on top if we want a little more kick. A wedge of lime on the side brightens everything up with a squeeze of citrus.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this with fluffy jasmine or brown rice for soaking up that incredible sauce. Steamed broccoli, roasted snap peas, or even a simple Asian slaw with cabbage and carrots go beautifully alongside. It’s a well-rounded meal that feels special but comes together fast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served the Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe over a bed of cauliflower rice or zoodles, topped with crushed peanuts and a drizzle of extra sesame oil. Making individual lettuce wraps with chicken and sauce tucked inside is always a hit, too—it’s fun, fresh, and hand-held!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for 3-4 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so the texture gets a bit more gelatinous, which is totally normal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by separating the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat together in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce again.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat with a couple tablespoons of water to bring the sauce back to life. Microwaving works fine too, but the sauce is often thicker and benefits from a quick stir and gentle warming on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and give a richer flavor, and they work just as well with this recipe's cooking method and sauce.

Is this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and cornstarch or arrowroot, the recipe is completely gluten-free and suitable for paleo diets too.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Definitely! The chicken and sauce keep well in the fridge for several days and can be reheated easily, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What can I serve with this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe?

I love serving it with jasmine or brown rice, steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas, and even fresh Asian slaws for a balanced, colorful meal.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe has a special place in my recipe rotation—it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re feeding hungry family members or just treating yourself after a busy day, it’s straightforward, reliable, and downright delicious. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try—you’ll be amazed by how easily you can create such a flavorful, wholesome meal right at home.