Go Back
- Chicken Breast: 1 lb boneless, skinless, diced - Coating Mixture: whole wheat flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, black pepper - Sauce Ingredients: low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar - Garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onion - Serving Suggestion: cooked brown rice To make healthy sesame chicken, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For the coating, mix whole wheat flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. This blend gives the chicken a light, crunchy texture. You’ll also need two large eggs, beaten until frothy, to help the coating stick. Next, gather the sauce ingredients. Use low-sodium soy sauce for flavor without too much salt. Honey adds sweetness, while rice vinegar brings a nice tang. These ingredients balance each other well. For garnishing, you’ll need toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onion. These not only add flavor but also make your dish look great. Serve the chicken over warm, cooked brown rice. This dish is not just tasty; it is also nutritious and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_2}} Mixing the Coating In a shallow bowl, mix whole wheat flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Stir this mixture until it blends well. This coating gives your chicken a crunchy texture. Preparing the Eggs In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy. This will help the coating stick to the chicken. Set both bowls aside for the next steps. Coating the Chicken Pieces Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken completely in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered for that perfect crunch. Heating the Skillet In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. This means it is ready for cooking. Cooking the Chicken Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, ensuring even cooking. Ensuring Crispy Texture To get that ideal crispiness, do not rush the cooking. Make sure your skillet is hot enough and give each piece enough space. Combining Sauce Ingredients In a small saucepan over low heat, mix low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir gently until blended. This sauce brings sweetness and depth to your dish. Heating the Sauce Mix Warm the sauce on low heat. Keep stirring until it is heated through. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Coating Chicken with Sauce Once the chicken is crispy, pour the warm sauce over it in the skillet. Stir gently to coat each piece well. Let everything cook together for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it is heated through. Adding Garnishes Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the chicken. This adds freshness and a nice pop of color. Serving with Brown Rice Serve your crunchy honey sesame chicken over a warm bed of cooked brown rice. This combination enhances the flavors and makes each bite satisfying. - Tips for Even Coating: To get that perfect crunch, make sure to coat each piece of chicken well. Dip it in the beaten eggs first. Then, cover it in the flour mixture. Ensure no dry spots are left. This will help the coating stick and crisp up nicely. - Cooking in Batches: Avoid crowding the skillet. Cook the chicken in small batches. This lets the heat circulate evenly. You’ll get a golden brown color and a great crunch on each piece. - Alternative Cooking Methods: Baking or air frying can be great for a healthier option. For baking, set your oven to 400°F. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Air frying can cut down on oil, giving a nice crunch too. - Reducing Sodium and Sugars: Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. You can also reduce the amount of honey in the sauce. This keeps the dish tasty while being kinder to your health. - Garnishing Options: For a colorful touch, sprinkle extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. This adds flavor and makes the dish look inviting. - Side Dish Suggestions for Serving: Serve the chicken on a platter with cooked brown rice. Steamed broccoli or a fresh salad works well as sides. These add color and nutrition, making your meal complete and appealing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality honey for the best flavor in your dish. Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the sesame oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect crispy exterior. Batch Cooking: Cook the chicken in small batches to prevent steaming, which can lead to a less crunchy texture. Garnish for Visual Appeal: Enhance the presentation with colorful garnishes like sliced bell peppers or additional green onions for a vibrant dish. {{image_4}} Gluten-free Options To make this dish gluten-free, swap whole wheat flour for almond flour or rice flour. These options work well for breading. Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free too. Look for tamari or other gluten-free brands. This way, you can still enjoy the crunchy texture. Low-calorie and Low-carb Adaptations For a low-calorie version, use less honey or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener. You can also decrease the amount of sesame oil. For a low-carb meal, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice instead of brown rice. This keeps it light and healthy. Adding Spices or Other Sauces Feel free to spice things up! Add red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of paprika for depth. You can also use hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce instead of the honey mix for a different taste. These alternatives can bring a new twist to your sesame chicken. Incorporating Vegetables Boost your meal with veggies! Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli while cooking the chicken. This adds color and nutrients. You can even stir in some spinach at the end for a fresh touch. It’s a great way to make the dish more balanced. Different Rice or Grain Bases While brown rice is great, consider using quinoa or farro as a base. Both add unique textures and flavors. Quinoa is high in protein, while farro gives a nutty flavor. Experiment to find what you like best! Serving with Salads or Vegetables Pair your sesame chicken with a fresh salad. A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and a light dressing works well. You can also serve it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables. This enhances the meal with more nutrients and keeps it colorful. To store your leftover healthy sesame chicken, first let it cool down. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents spills. You can also use plastic wrap or foil for wrapping if you don't have a container. The chicken lasts in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Frozen, it can last up to three months. Just make sure to label your container with the date. To reheat your sesame chicken, the best method is using the oven. This helps keep the chicken crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second bursts until hot. However, it may not stay as crispy this way. Choose the method that works best for you! To reheat sesame chicken, use a skillet. Heat it on medium-low. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir gently for about five minutes. This keeps the chicken from getting tough. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts. Check after each burst until it's warm. Yes, you can use other meats! Try turkey, shrimp, or tofu. Each option gives a new taste. Make sure to adjust cooking times. Chicken cooks quickly, while shrimp needs less time. Tofu should be pressed for best results. To make this dish vegan, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use plant-based eggs or skip them entirely. Coat the tofu in the same flour mixture. For the sauce, replace honey with maple syrup or agave. This keeps the sweet flavor without animal products. If you want a honey substitute, use maple syrup. Agave nectar works well too. Both give a nice sweetness. You can also try brown sugar mixed with water. This gives a similar texture and taste. Yes, this healthy sesame chicken is great for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in airtight containers. Just reheat before serving. This makes it easy to have a quick, healthy meal ready to go. This blog post showed you how to make tasty sesame chicken with ease. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for the best results. Remember, adjusting the recipe lets you cater to your taste or dietary needs. You can choose healthier cooking methods or try new flavor twists. Proper storage and reheating tips keep your meal fresh and crunchy. Enjoy this delicious dish on a busy night or when sharing with friends. Cooking can be simple and fun, so dive in and create something great today!

Crunchy Honey Sesame Chicken

A delicious and crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, served over brown rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten until frothy
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 piece green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • as needed serving cooked brown rice

Instructions
 

  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy. Set both bowls aside for the next steps.
  • Take each piece of chicken, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off, and then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Ensure that each piece is evenly covered to achieve that crunchy texture.
  • In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side or until it appears golden brown and crispy. It’s best to cook the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which ensures even cooking.
  • While your chicken is sizzling away, make the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir gently until the mixture is well blended and warmed through, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • After the chicken has achieved that crispy perfection, pour the warm soy sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Gently stir to ensure that each piece is coated with the honey sesame sauce. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring it's heated through.
  • Once everything is well combined, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the top for an added burst of flavor and an appealing garnishing touch.
  • Serve this delectable crunchy honey sesame chicken over a warm bed of cooked brown rice, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with each bite.

Notes

For a striking presentation, serve the chicken on a platter, garnished with a few extra sesame seeds and green onion slices. You might also consider adding some steamed broccoli or a fresh salad on the side for color.
Keyword chicken, crispy, dinner, honey, sesame