There’s something so satisfying about the perfect balance of crispy chicken kissed with a sweet, tangy sesame glaze. I’ve come to rely on this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe when I want something that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor—without the guilt or the usual takeout fuss.

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’m genuinely excited every time I make this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe because it hits all the right notes: crispy chicken, a luscious sauce that’s not too sweet, and it’s all gluten-free and paleo-friendly. It feels indulgent but is actually good for you!

Quick and Easy: You can have this on your table in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Healthy Ingredients: With avocado oil and pure maple syrup, it’s a nourishing alternative to deep-fried recipes.
Flavor Packed: The combo of toasted sesame oil, ginger, and garlic makes every bite unforgettable.
Family Favorite: It’s so good my picky eaters ask for it over takeout any day!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe does its part to create that perfect harmony of flavor and texture. When you shop, look for fresh ginger and good-quality tamari or coconut aminos to keep it tasty and gluten-free.

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 thighs for juiciness but breasts work great if you want leaner meat.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: This is your secret for that lightly crispy coating without frying in a ton of oil.
Gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos): These provide the savory umami backbone without gluten.
Avocado oil: It has a high smoke point, so it’s perfect for searing the chicken nicely.
Pure maple syrup or honey: The natural sweetener balances the saltiness and tang beautifully.
Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a lovely bright zing that cuts through the richness.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a splash adds that iconic deep sesame flavor that makes this recipe sing.
Fresh garlic and ginger: These aromatics elevate the sauce and add warmth.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little gentle heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sesame seeds: A simple garnish that adds crunch and visual appeal.

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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

I love tweaking this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Sometimes I add veggies like broccoli or snap peas right into the skillet at the end for a quick stir-fry twist—you should try it too!

Variation: Swapping chicken thighs for breast keeps it leaner, which I appreciate in summer months.
Spicy Kick: Adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha gives the sauce a fiery depth I adore.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Throw in steamed broccoli or bell peppers to add color and nutrients easily.
Thickening Options: Arrowroot works beautifully if you prefer a grain-free alternative to cornstarch.

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 Like a Pro

In a medium bowl, toss your diced chicken with cornstarch and tamari until all pieces have a thin, even coating. This step is what helps you get that crispy, golden exterior when you cook. A tip? Use a fork or tongs to mix so your hands stay clean and the coating doesn’t clump.

Step 2: Get That Sizzle

Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high in a large skillet. Don’t rush here—wait till the oil is shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding, so they brown instead of steam. Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 1–3 minutes until cooked through and no pink remains.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce While You Cook

In a small bowl, whisk together water, tamari, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and (if you want) red pepper flakes. This mixture is your sauce magic—its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes this dish so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Thicken and Perfect Your Sauce

Mix the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water) until smooth. Lower the pan heat to medium-low and pour your slurry into the sauce mixture. Add this combo to the skillet, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes. You'll know it’s ready when you can see the whisk’s path through the sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in that sticky sesame goodness. Let it heat through for a minute or two, then sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving warm. Trust me, that final sprinkle makes it feel extra special.

Top Tip

From my many attempts, I learned that timing and temperature are key to getting the chicken perfectly cooked without losing moisture or crispiness. Here are a few of my best tips to help you nail this recipe every time:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed so each piece sears beautifully rather than steaming in its own juices.
Use a Good-Quality Tamari: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth for this gluten-free recipe.
Whisk Vigorously When Adding Slurry: This prevents lumps and ensures the sauce is silky smooth.
Adjust Sweetness Last: Taste your sauce before thickening; maple syrup amounts can be tweaked depending on your preference.

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

healthy sesame chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sometimes thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a little sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds exciting crunch and texture.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this recipe include steamed jasmine rice or a cauliflower rice bowl if you’re keeping it low-carb. For an easy veg fix, roasted broccoli or sautéed snap peas complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner or casual get-together, serve this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe on a bed of colorful mixed greens or even as a filling for lettuce wraps. I've also layered it over spiralized zucchini noodles for a light, fresh twist that wows guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they last about 3-4 days. Just a heads up: the sauce thickens as it chills, almost like a gel—don’t worry, that’s normal.

Freezing

Freezing works, but since the sauce thickens, I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately when possible. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce back up. Stir frequently to keep the chicken moist and glossy without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my favorite for this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe because they stay juicy and tender throughout cooking. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free and paleo-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is both gluten-free and paleo-friendly when you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and cornstarch or arrowroot for thickening. It’s perfect if you’re mindful of dietary restrictions but still want flavor-packed meals.

How do I get the chicken crispy without frying?

The key is coating the chicken pieces in cornstarch or arrowroot and making sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, so they sear nicely instead of steaming. Using avocado oil with a high smoke point also helps achieve even browning.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and keep them refrigerated. However, I recommend making the slurry and cooking the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve to keep that glossy texture and fresh flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my rotation because it’s reliable, simple, and delicious—plus, it feels like a treat without the worry. I hope you give this one a try and find yourself reaching for it just as often as I do. Imagine a warm, saucy plate of chicken you can trust to be both good for your body and your taste buds. That’s a win in my book!