Sesame Chicken

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Skip the takeout and make sesame chicken at home with this simple recipe. It’s loaded with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes and is absolutely delicious as a full meal when paired with rice and a side of veggies.

I recently shared my recreation of orange chicken (which is SO good btw!) and now I’m sharing a healthier version of the Chinese-American classic takeout… sesame chicken! And I have to say, this recipe definitely gives my orange chicken recipe a run for its money!

An overhead view of a plate of sesame chicken served with rice and broccoli. Chopsticks lay across the plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, so it’s the perfect addition to your weekly dinner menu.
  • Enjoy all the flavors of traditional sesame chicken, just with less sodium, sugar and calories!
  • It’s cheaper then ordering takeout!
An overhead closeup view of sesame chicken on a plate. Rice and broccoli are also on the plate.

Is Sesame Chicken Healthy?

Sesame chicken is typically battered, fried and coated in a sweet sauce. It’s delicious, but not necessarily the healthiest option at a restaurant. The average serving size of sesame chicken at a Chinese restaurant is about 790 calories and 36 grams of fat. No thank you!

This simple, lightened-up version has less sugar, fat and calories and won’t leave you feeling heavy or tired. For the sauce we’re using less sugar and coconut sugar instead of white sugar. For the chicken we’re using boneless chicken breasts and cooking on the stovetop instead of frying.

All that said, sesame chicken paired with some type of grain and vegetable is definitely a healthy meal in my book. It’s a good source of protein, healthy carbs and nutrients!

pro tip!
If you wanted to make this sesame chicken recipe even healthier skip the coating on the chicken and just saute the chopped chicken breasts and make the sauce as directed! 
Ingredients measured out to make sesame chicken: chicken, garlic, rice vinegar, egg, oil, sesame oil, green onions, tamari, ginger, arrowroot powder, water, sesame seeds, sambal oelek and coconut sugar.

Ingredients Needed

  • tamari, soy sauce or coconut aminos â€“ a star ingredient in the sauce! Tamari, soy sauce or coconut aminos all work well here.
  • rice vinegar – another key ingredient in the sauce! I prefer rice vinegar, but white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar would also work.
  • sesame oil – this adds a nutty flavor to the dish. I highly recommend using sesame oil but in pinch you can use another option in your pantry.
  • arrowroot powder – a thickening agent for the sauce and part of the coating for the chicken! Corn starch will work as a substitute.
  • coconut sugar – instead of white sugar we’re using coconut sugar in the sauce, which keeps this dish naturally sweetened. Both brown sugar and white sugar would work as a substitution. I bet honey or maple syrup would also work!
  • fresh garlic â€“ fresh garlic is key here for optimal flavor. Of course you can take a shortcut method and buy peeled garlic, jarred minced garlic or frozen crushed garlic cubes. I just wouldn’t recommend swapping the fresh garlic for garlic powder.
  • fresh ginger – fresh ginger gives this dish the best flavor. Mince the ginger yourself or buy frozen ginger cubes for easier prep. I always have them in the freezer.
  • sambal oelek – also called Huy Fong chili paste or garlic chili sauce, this spicy condiment is a mainstay in Asian cooking. You can find it on the international aisle at your grocery store. If you don’t have sambal oelek, you can use sriracha instead. Omit the sambal if you don’t want the dish to be spicy at all. If you like more flavor and spice, you can add more.
  • sea salt and pepper – for seasoning the dish.
  • sesame seeds – can’t have sesame chicken without sesame seeds! We’re using these in the sauce and for topping!
  • chicken breasts – boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-size pieces. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
  • baking soda – we’re adding this to the breading mixture. It helps the chicken to crisp up when sautéing!
  • egg – helps bind the breading to the chicken.
  • avocado oil or olive oil – for sautéing the chicken.
  • green onions – I love serving this dish with fresh green onions. Fresh herbs pack so much flavor!
  • optional topping – sriracha for a little added heat.
Collage of 6 photos showing how to make sesame chicken: whisking sauce, pan frying chicken, and adding the sauce in with the chicken.

How to Make Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Start by adding all your sauce ingredients to a small mixing bowl, whisk to combine and set aside.

Step 2: Cut chicken into chunks. Whisk together egg, arrowroot powder, salt + pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.

Step 3: Heat oil and add chicken to pan with egg mixture. Cook chicken 3-4 min per side until golden brown. Pour sauce over chicken and bring to a simmer until it starts to thicken. Serve over rice with a side of broccoli or veggie of choice.

Sesame chicken served on a plate with rice and broccoli.

How to Serve

This healthy sesame chicken recipe can be served in so many different ways! I love serving it over rice with a side of veggies but feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas:

Chopsticks holding up a piece of sesame chicken.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. For reheating, warm the chicken on a skillet over the stove top or in the microwave.

I haven’t tried freezing this chicken, but I bet you could freeze it with no issues! To defrost, take the chicken out of the freezer and place it in the fridge to thaw the night before you’re wanting to eat it.

More Asian Inspired Recipes to Try

Popular Chicken Recipes to Try

Be sure to check out all of the chicken recipes here on EBF!

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5 from 8 votes

Sesame Chicken

Skip takeout and make sesame chicken at home with this simple recipe. It's loaded with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes and is absolutely delicious as a full meal when paired with rice and a side of veggies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients  

Sauce

  • â…“ cup reduced sodium tamari, coconut aminos or soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ Tablespoon arrowroot powder, or cornstarch
  • 3 Tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sambal oelek, or chili garlic sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 Tablespoons white sesame seeds

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tablespoons arrowroot powder, or cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons olive or avocado oil
  • Toppings: sesame seeds, green onion, sriracha
  • rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
  • roasted or steamed broccoli, for serving

Instructions 

  • Add all your sauce ingredients to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
    Ingredients for sesame chicken sauce in a mixing bowl: tamari, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, arrowroot powder, coconut sugar, garlic, fresh ginger, sambal oelek, sea salt and sesame seeds.
  • Cut chicken into bite-size chunks.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together egg, arrowroot powder, salt + pepper. Add chicken pieces to bowl and toss to coat.
    Chicken marinating in egg, arrowroot powder, salt and pepper.
  • Add oil to pan and warm on medium high heat. Once warm add chicken to pan with egg mixture. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
    Chicken cooking on a pan in olive oil.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and bring to a simmer until it starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Pouring the sesame sauce onto the chicken in a pan.
  • Serve over rice with a side of broccoli or veggie of choice.
    Sesame chicken cooking in sauce in a pan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 recipe | Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 1165mg | Potassium: 175mg | Sugar: 15g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: sesame chicken
Did you make this recipe?Mention @eatingbirdfood and tag #eatingbirdfood!

About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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Recipe Rating




11 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Sooo delicious and easy to cook. This dish is just as good as what you’ll find at a Chinese restaurant and much healthier. Will be making again!

    1. Woo! So glad this recipe is a hit, Emmy. Thanks for leaving a review, I appreciate it so much.

  2. 5 stars
    Oh my gosh! What is there to say? Except, MORE PLEASE!!! My husband, my kids, and myself, devoured this meal!! So good to enjoy a delicious meal like this, and not feel weighed-down and heavy afterwards. Thank you!! I’m loving your website!

    1. Yay! I’m thrilled to hear you and your family love this sesame chicken! Thank you so much for leaving a comment, it means so much to me.

  3. 5 stars
    This was simply delicious and so quick and easy to make! My gluten free boyfriend says thank you 🙂

    1. Yay! So glad this recipe was a hit for you, Tara! Thank you so much for leaving a review, it means so much to me.

  4. 5 stars
    This is truly an easy recipe to make, and it tastes amazing! I served it over brown rice and steamed broccolini, and there might have been a heated discussion on who would be taking the leftovers to work. I will definitely be making this again, thanks for posting this recipe.

    1. Absolutley! I am so excited to hear that you are loving this recipe and it is a big hit! Thank you so much for coming back and sharing your review & star rating, I truly appreciate it!

  5. 5 stars
    Wow, made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious! Served with rice and broccoli! Definitely adding to my repertoire of favorites!!

    1. WOO! Sounds fantastic, Nova. I am so excited to hear you gave this recipe a try and it turned out great for you. Thanks for coming back and sharing your review & star rating, means so much to me!