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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color) - 1 carrot, julienned - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Cooked brown rice or quinoa (for serving) This Healthy Sesame Chicken dish is simple yet full of flavor. The chicken serves as the main protein, and you can choose any color bell pepper to add a pop of brightness. The marinade combines sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey, giving a sweet and savory touch. Fresh ginger and garlic boost the flavor and offer health benefits too. Broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots add texture and nutrients. Don't skip the sesame seeds and green onions for that final touch of freshness! Serve this over brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. This recipe is not only quick but also packed with good ingredients. Enjoy cooking with these fresh, vibrant ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I make the marinade. In a medium bowl, I whisk together: - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger - 2 cloves minced garlic This mix gives the chicken a rich flavor. Next, I add the bite-sized chicken pieces. I make sure every piece is well-coated. I let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes. For more flavor, I sometimes let it sit in the fridge for up to one hour. Once the chicken has marinated, I heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. I add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot skillet. I cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. I stir it occasionally until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. After the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add veggies. I toss in: - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 sliced bell pepper (any color) - 1 julienned carrot I stir everything together and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. This timing helps the vegetables stay tender-crisp. I check the seasoning and add more soy sauce if needed. Once done, I remove it from heat. I love to sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving. To enhance flavors, you can add more ingredients. Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of lime juice for brightness. These small changes make a big difference. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to an hour in the fridge. This longer time helps the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. Use a non-stick skillet or a wok for high heat cooking. These tools help the chicken brown nicely without sticking. Heat the skillet before adding the chicken. This ensures a good sear. To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it's no longer pink inside. Stir occasionally to cook evenly. When serving, use a deep bowl for a great look. Place a scoop of brown rice or quinoa at the bottom. Top it with the chicken and veggies. For garnishing, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. A wedge of lime on the side adds color and a zesty kick. This makes your dish not only tasty but also beautiful! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour will enhance the flavor. If time permits, marinate overnight for even better results. Veggie Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, zucchini, or snap peas for added nutrition and color. Cooking Method: For a crispier texture, consider stir-frying the chicken in batches instead of overcrowding the skillet. Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the sesame seeds and green onions; they add a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to the dish. {{image_2}} Options for gluten-free You can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great option because it has a similar taste but is safe for those with gluten issues. You can also check labels on your honey or agave to ensure they are gluten-free. Substitutes for vegetarian or vegan diets For a vegetarian or vegan twist, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb the marinade well. You can also use seitan for a meat-like texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on what you choose. Different vegetables to use Feel free to get creative with the veggies! You can add snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and texture. Use what you have on hand or what’s in season for a fresh taste. Low-calorie substitutes for the marinade If you want to cut calories, try using less honey or agave. You can also add more vinegar for tang without the calories. Another trick is to use a bit of vegetable broth instead of oil. This adds flavor without extra fat. To keep your Healthy Sesame Chicken fresh, use these simple tips: - Place leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. - Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. - Store in glass or BPA-free plastic containers for safety. - Label containers with the date for easy tracking. When reheating, keep the chicken juicy and tasty. Here are some methods: - Use a microwave for quick reheating. Cover the dish to trap steam. - Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. - Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the chicken. Safe reheating tips include checking the internal temperature. Heat until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Enjoy your meal again! I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. You can marinate it for up to 1 hour in the fridge for even better taste. If you’re in a hurry, 20 minutes will still give you nice flavor. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. But first, you need to thaw it completely. I suggest using the fridge for safe thawing overnight. Once thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces and marinate as usual. Avoid cooking frozen chicken directly, as it may not cook evenly. For a balanced meal, serve Healthy Sesame Chicken with cooked brown rice or quinoa. Both add fiber and nutrients. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables, like green beans or snap peas, for extra color and crunch. A light salad can also pair nicely. Absolutely! Healthy Sesame Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Cook a large batch and store it in airtight containers. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. This blog post guides you to make Healthy Sesame Chicken. We explored key ingredients, marinating the chicken, and cooking techniques. I shared tips for flavor and presentation. You can adapt the recipe for special diets and store leftovers correctly. Cooking can be simple and fun. With these steps, you can create a dish everyone will enjoy. Try it out, and enjoy your tasty meal!

Healthy Sesame Chicken Delight

A nutritious and flavorful chicken dish with sesame oil and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (any color)
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 serving cooked brown rice or quinoa (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or agave), rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic to create a marinade.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for more flavor).
  • Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Once the vegetables are cooked, check for seasoning. Add more soy sauce if needed.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving.
  • Serve the Healthy Sesame Chicken over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a fulfilling meal.

Notes

Serve in a deep bowl with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds on top and a wedge of lime on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
Keyword chicken, healthy, sesame, stir-fry