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A plate of vibrant sesame chicken garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, served alongside steamed vegetables and rice.

Quick & Easy Healthy Sesame Chicken for Weeknights

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Discover the quick and easy way to make healthy sesame chicken perfect for busy weeknights. This nutritious recipe combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sesame sauce, offering a flavorful, balanced, and wholesome dinner option that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Optional: chopped scallions and extra sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Whisk together remaining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth to prepare the sesame sauce.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, cook garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli and bell peppers, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions if desired.

Notes

  • Allow the dish to cool before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in microwave or on stovetop, adding a splash of water or sesame oil to maintain moisture.
  • You can customize with your favorite vegetables like snap peas or carrots.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if using tamari), Healthy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 330 Kcal
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg