why make this recipe

Healthy Sesame Chicken Dinner is a fantastic option for those looking to combine flavor with nutrition. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients that support your well-being. It features lean chicken, plenty of vibrant vegetables, and a delightful sesame sauce that brings everything together. Plus, it is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

how to make Healthy Sesame Chicken Dinner

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp pure sesame oil
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced thinly
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Directions:

Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic. Wash and slice the vegetables.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, rice vinegar, water (or broth), and cornstarch; set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in garlic, broccoli florets, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat and simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Serve hot over steamed rice or quinoa. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

how to serve Healthy Sesame Chicken Dinner

Serve this hearty dish over a bed of steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. The flavors of the healthy sesame chicken pair perfectly with these sides. You can also add a simple side salad to complete the meal.

how to store Healthy Sesame Chicken Dinner

To store any leftovers, place the Healthy Sesame Chicken in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, where it will last up to three months. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

tips to make Healthy Sesame Chicken Dinner

Cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots based on your preference.
For more spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
If you want a crispier texture, you can pan-sear the chicken before adding the vegetables.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by replacing chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

What can I use instead of honey or maple syrup?
You can use agave syrup or brown sugar as alternatives for sweetening the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Cook the chicken and vegetables right before serving for the best taste.

Healthy Sesame Chicken Dinner

A deliciously healthy dinner option combining lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sesame sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Healthy

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons pure sesame oil
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Can substitute with agave syrup or brown sugar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds For garnish
2 pieces green onions, sliced thinly For garnish
2 cups broccoli florets
1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

Preparation

Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic. Wash and slice the vegetables.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, rice vinegar, water (or broth), and cornstarch; set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in garlic, broccoli florets, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.

Combine and Simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat and simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Serving

Serve hot over steamed rice or quinoa. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Keyword Chicken Recipe, Healthy Recipe, Healthy Sesame Chicken, quick dinner, Weeknight Dinner