There’s something simply irresistible about a well-made sesame chicken - the crunchy chicken smothered in a glossy, tangy sauce. This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe stands out because it’s both nourishing and delicious, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

This image shows a white plate with one main layer of white rice covering the bottom. On top of the rice, there are pieces of golden-brown chicken coated in a shiny, dark orange-brown sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds. On the left side of the plate, bright green snow peas lay beside the chicken and rice. A pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand picks up one piece of chicken from the center of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. 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

I absolutely love this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe because it’s a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and healthfulness—without sacrificing any of that takeout-style comfort we all adore. Plus, it’s gluten-free and paleo-friendly, which means you can indulge without guilt.

Quick to Make: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver after a busy day.
Gluten-Free & Paleo-Friendly: This recipe is thoughtfully designed to fit special diets, making it accessible for many.
Flavor Packed: The combination of maple syrup and tamari creates a sweet and salty sauce that’s utterly addictive.
Customizable: I’ll share easy swaps and variations so you can adapt this recipe to your pantry and tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec — these are easy to find and work beautifully together to create that silky, tangy sauce with crispy chicken bites. Using tamari keeps it gluten-free, and the cornstarch (or arrowroot) makes the coating crisp up just right.

Flat lay of diced raw boneless skinless chicken breast cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark gluten-free tamari sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden avocado oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl of amber pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl containing light rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with dark toasted sesame oil, a small pile of finely minced fresh garlic clove, a small pile of minced fresh ginger root, a pinch of red pepper flakes on a small white ceramic dish, and a small white ceramic bowl of white sesame seeds, all neatly arranged with perfect symmetry, 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 Chicken Breast or Thighs: I prefer breasts for lean protein, but thighs add richness and stay tender.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot: Coats the chicken for crispiness and thickens the sauce when used in a slurry.
Gluten-Free Tamari (or Soy Sauce/Coconut Aminos): Adds salty, umami depth without gluten.
Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point makes it perfect for frying chicken without burning.
Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: Brings sweetness that balances the savory tamari in the sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and a little tang to lift the flavors.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides that distinctive nutty aroma and taste to really seal the deal.
Garlic & Fresh Ginger: Classic aromatics that build flavor complexity.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a touch of heat, this is your friend.
Sesame Seeds: A finishing touch for texture and appearance that makes it look restaurant-quality.

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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 best things about this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak the sauce sweetness depending on my mood or swap the chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly — and it works beautifully every time.

Variation: For a smoky twist, try adding a splash of smoked paprika or even a little chipotle powder. I experimented with this once and loved the added depth — but stick to the original if you want classic flavors.
Swap Proteins: You can use shrimp or even firm tofu cubes for a completely different but still delicious version.
Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some kick — it wakes up the flavors wonderfully.

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

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface with three layers: steamed white rice forming the bottom layer covering half the plate, glossy brown glazed chicken pieces sprinkled with white sesame seeds placed on top of the rice in the center, and fresh bright green snow peas arranged neatly on the left side of the plate. A woman's hand with red nail polish holds a pair of wooden chopsticks picking up one piece of the chicken. In the background, a white cloth is softly draped. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat the Chicken Perfectly

Start by tossing your diced chicken in cornstarch and tamari. This step is key because the cornstarch helps create that irresistible crispy exterior, while the tamari infuses flavor upfront. Make sure every piece gets a nice even coat—use a fork to gently toss and mix.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in Batches

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes without crowding the pan—that's important! Crowding steams the chicken and prevents crispiness. Cook about 3–4 minutes on the first side until golden, then flip and cook an additional 1–3 minutes until fully cooked and opaque. Set cooked pieces aside and repeat with remaining chicken, adding oil as needed.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix water, tamari, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish—take a moment to smell the garlic and ginger; it really signals good things ahead!

Step 4: Make the Cornstarch Slurry & Thicken

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce mixture — it’ll look milky at this point. Pour the sauce into your now-empty but warm skillet and cook on medium-low, whisking often. After 3–5 minutes, the sauce should bubble, thicken, and become more translucent. You’ll notice you can see the whisk's path—that’s exactly what you want!

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Return the chicken pieces to the pan, tossing them gently in the sauce so they’re fully coated and heated through. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top, serve warm, and watch everyone dig in! This moment always reminds me how homemade can really rival takeout when done right.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things over time that make all the difference when making this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe — from avoiding soggy chicken to balancing the sauce’s sweetness. These tips will save you some stress and help you enjoy the process.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches ensures they get that perfect crisp coating instead of steaming.
Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic really elevate the sauce — avoid pre-minced jars if you can.
Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Start with less maple syrup or honey and add more if you want sweeter sauce; it’s easier to control flavor that way.
Slurry Last Minute: Mix and add your cornstarch slurry only right before thickening the sauce to avoid clumps or a gummy texture.

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

healthy sesame chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds because they add a subtle crunch and gorgeous contrast. Sometimes, I toss on thinly sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor — it really brightens the plate.

Side Dishes

Healthy Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. I often go with stir-fried broccoli or snap peas for an added veggie dose. A light cucumber salad on the side also cuts through the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve this sesame chicken over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or in lettuce cups for a fresh, fun twist. Garnishes like edible flowers or chopped cashews can turn it into an eye-catching centerpiece that’ll impress guests without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge; it keeps well for 3-4 days. Just keep in mind the sauce thickens up in the cold—it gels a bit, so it’s normal. I usually add a splash of water when reheating to get it back to that perfect consistency.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Healthy Sesame Chicken a handful of times. For best results, let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. When thawed, the sauce might separate a bit, but gentle reheating with stirring fixes that quickly. It’s a great way to have a healthy meal ready on busy nights.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a teaspoon or so of water if the sauce is too thick. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep the sauce smooth and evenly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a bit more flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe suitable for paleo diets?

Yes, it is paleo-friendly when you use arrowroot instead of cornstarch and coconut aminos in place of tamari or soy sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Follow the same coating and cooking steps for a delicious plant-based alternative.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or gummy?

The key is to add the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook over medium-low heat with constant whisking. Avoid overcooking once the sauce thickens to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it bridges the gap between comfort food and wholesome eating so well. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home, too!