If you’re looking for a fresh spin on a takeout favorite with healthy ingredients, Healthy Sesame Chicken truly delivers! Packed with lean protein and big flavor, yet low on carbs and gluten free, this dish transforms dinnertime into something exciting and nourishing. The best part? Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, making it super versatile. The sweet, tangy sesame sauce clings to juicy pieces of chicken, and it all comes together quickly enough for any busy weeknight. Let me show you just how easy and rewarding it is to bring this better-than-takeout classic straight to your table!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to create this Healthy Sesame Chicken, and each one plays a starring role—whether it’s for richness, flavor punch, or the gorgeous color of the glossy sauce! Don’t overlook the little details; every component brings something valuable to this feel-good meal.

Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs: Chicken breast keeps things lean, but thighs add extra juiciness and flavor—either way, you get plenty of protein and deliciousness.
Avocado oil: A heart-healthy oil that adds subtle richness and helps crisp the chicken without overpowering flavors.
Coconut aminos: This gluten-free, soy-free ingredient brings a delicate umami flavor and keeps things allergy-friendly.
Honey: Just enough natural sweetness to balance the tangy and savory notes of the sauce.
Toasted sesame oil: The magical ingredient! Its nutty, aromatic depth elevates the whole dish and gives it signature sesame flair.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle, warming kick for complexity and freshness.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic delivers instant savory punch to both chicken and sauce—don’t skimp!
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity that brightens the sauce and enhances every bite.
Black pepper: Balances out the sweetness and adds a hint of gentle spice.
Lime zest & lime juice: Zesty citrus notes that make the sauce sing and keep things light.
Sesame seeds: For that must-have crunchy topping and a flawless finish.
Green beans (optional): A crisp, colorful veggie side that soaks up sauce beautifully.
White rice (optional): The perfect bed for all that glossy, sticky sesame chicken goodness.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Sides

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes—this helps every piece stay juicy in the middle and quick to cook on the outside. At the same time, get your rice and green beans going according to package instructions, so everything is ready to serve hot and delicious. Don’t forget: for Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, whichever you prefer or have on hand!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat up your avocado oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken cubes and sauté until they’re golden on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and make sure every piece is evenly browned. If you’re opting for Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, remember that thighs might take just a touch longer but are forgivingly tender.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sesame Sauce

While the chicken cooks, grab a small bowl and whisk together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice. This is where the flavor magic really happens—be generous with the whisking to seamlessly marry sweet, savory, zesty, and nutty into one silky sauce!

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside (no need to clean the pan yet). Pour in your premixed sauce and simmer over medium-high heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll see it bubble and thicken rapidly. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—the caramelization is what gives the sauce that iconic sticky finish.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the cooked chicken back into the thickened sauce, turning to coat every piece in that shiny, rich glaze. Give it a minute or two to mingle together, absorbing all that flavor. This is when even the simplest Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs turns restaurant-worthy!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop your saucy sesame chicken onto plates, topping a fragrant pile of white rice and blanched green beans. Drizzle with any extra sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and step back to admire your wholesome, homemade creation—there’s seriously nothing better!

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

Garnishes

No plate of sesame chicken is complete without a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch! Try slicing some green onions or adding a few ribbons of fresh lime zest over the top for bright color and a pop of flavor. You can even finish with a dusting of cracked black pepper if you like a bit of extra heat.

Side Dishes

Steamed or stir-fried green beans are a classic and soak up the sauce beautifully, but feel free to play around—think broccoli florets, snap peas, or even sautéed bell peppers. For a fuller meal, serve your Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs over hot jasmine or white rice. Cauliflower rice makes a lower-carb alternative that’s equally tasty!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, turn this recipe into a bowl meal: Layer rice, green veggies, sesame chicken, and extra garnishes in a deep dish for a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy look! Or, pile the chicken and sauce into crunchy lettuce cups for a fun hand-held version. No matter the presentation, Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs adapts beautifully to any style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container as soon as it’s cool. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days without losing any of that luscious flavor or texture. Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, and both do well in storage, making next-day lunches a breeze!

Freezing

Healthy Sesame Chicken freezes surprisingly well! Simply chill your leftovers fully, then transfer them (along with extra sauce) into a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Remember, both chicken breasts and thighs freeze beautifully, so feel free to double the batch for prepped meal saves!

Reheating

For the tastiest results, reheat your sesame chicken gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. Microwave works too for quick reheats—cover loosely to retain moisture. Either way, Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs, and both retain their tenderness nicely.

FAQs

Can I use something other than coconut aminos for the sauce?

Definitely! If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can swap it out for low-sodium soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos for that signature salty, umami hit. Just keep in mind, soy sauce is saltier, so start with a little less and taste as you go.

Is it possible to make this recipe completely sugar free?

Absolutely—just omit the honey or replace it with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup or a splash more coconut aminos for a more savory flavor profile. It won’t be quite as sticky-sweet, but you’ll keep all that fabulous umami and tartness!

What’s the best substitute for avocado oil?

No avocado oil? Not a problem. Olive oil or even refined coconut oil will work great here. Both are mild enough to let the sauce shine, and they suit high-heat sautéing just as well.

Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, and it’s one of the reasons I love this recipe! Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs at any point; thighs bring extra juiciness and rich flavor, while breasts keep things quick and lean. Both options turn out fantastic.

What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

The sky’s the limit: swap in broccoli, snap peas, red bell peppers, or even bok choy for the green beans, and stir-fry them briefly for added crunch and color. The sauce clings beautifully to lots of different veggies, so feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to get cooking and shake up your dinner routine with this Healthy Sesame Chicken. It’s proof that Chicken – You can sub chicken breasts with chicken thighs and still enjoy that irresistible flavor and texture you crave—just with a healthier twist. Give it a try and see just how easy and rewarding homemade takeout can be!