There’s something about the sticky, glossy texture of sesame chicken that just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe balances that crave-worthy sweet-and-savory glaze with wholesome, clean ingredients so you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging!

The image shows a white bowl with three main layers: a base of fluffy white rice, a middle layer of orange-brown glazed chicken pieces covered in white sesame seeds, and green snow peas placed on the side of the bowl. The chicken pieces look shiny and coated with sauce, and a pair of wooden chopsticks, held by a woman's hand, is picking up one piece of chicken. The background surface is white marbled. 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’ve made plenty of sesame chicken over the years, but this healthy twist became a staple because it’s quick, nourishing, and hits all the right flavor notes without the junk. Plus, it’s gluten-free and paleo-friendly, so it fits a variety of diets effortlessly.

Balanced Flavors: The sauce combines savory tamari, sweet maple syrup, and a hint of toasted sesame oil for a perfect harmony.
Simple Ingredients: You won’t find any artificial stuff here — just real pantry staples that work beautifully together.
Fast & Family-Friendly: In about 30 minutes, you get a dinner everyone will enjoy, even picky eaters.
Gluten Free + Paleo: Great for those avoiding gluten or following paleo, making it an inclusive meal option.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe lies in how its ingredients complement each other — a perfect balance of crispy chicken and a luscious sesame glaze. Here’s a quick rundown so you know what each part does and why you’ll love having them handy.

Flat lay of diced raw boneless skinless chicken breast cubes arranged neatly, a small white bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of dark gluten-free tamari soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl with amber pure maple syrup, a small white bowl of pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, one whole uncracked garlic bulb clove, a small pile of fresh peeled ginger pieces, a few bright red chili pepper flakes, a small white bowl with a runny cornstarch slurry (milky mixture), and a small white bowl with white and tan sesame seeds, 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 Skinless Chicken Breast (or thighs): Choose fresh, good quality chicken – breasts are lean but thighs add a bit more juicy tenderness.
Cornstarch (or arrowroot): This is the magic for that slightly crispy coating on the chicken and thickening the sauce.
Gluten-free Tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos): Adds umami depth without gluten; coconut aminos are a nice alternative for paleo-friendly.
Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point makes it perfect for frying without burning, plus it’s neutral in flavor.
Water: Balances the sauce, helping it dissolve and blend seamlessly.
Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: Just enough natural sweetness to counter the savory tamari and bring everything together.
Rice Vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the sauce beautifully.
Toasted Sesame Oil: The soul of the dish, giving that iconic nutty aroma and flavor.
Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Fresh aromatics that pack a punch and make this sauce so flavorful.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
Sesame Seeds: For garnish and that extra bit of nuttiness and texture.

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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 playing with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or what flavors I’m craving. The sky's the limit, and tweaking it makes it more fun and personalized.

Add Veggies: Sometimes I like to toss in snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli florets in the last few minutes for extra color and nutrition – just sauté them briefly so they stay crisp.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, bump up the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce. It gives a fantastic bold twist.
Different Protein: This sauce is lovely on shrimp or salmon too—great when you want a quick seafood dinner.

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

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a simple meal with three main parts. On the left side of the plate, there is a neat layer of bright green snow peas with smooth, shiny skins. To the right, there is a bed of white rice with a soft, fluffy texture. On top of the rice are several small pieces of brown glazed meat covered in a shiny sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A woman's hand with red nail polish uses chopsticks to pick up a piece of the meat. The background includes a textured white cloth that adds softness to the scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat the Chicken for Crispy Goodness

Toss the diced chicken in a bowl with cornstarch and tamari until each piece is lightly coated. This step is key for that subtle crispy exterior without frying in a ton of oil. Use a fork to stir gently and make sure every bite is covered.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in Batches

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches so pieces get that nice sear and don’t steam. Cook about 3-4 minutes on the first side, then 1-3 on the second side until no pink remains. Remove cooked chicken and set aside—each batch should have a golden crust.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

While chicken cooks, combine water, tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. This mixture creates the wonderful balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that make this recipe shine.

Step 4: Make the Slurry and Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry—that’s the secret to a luscious, thick sauce. When the chicken is fully cooked, reduce heat to medium-low and whisk the slurry into the sauce. Pour sauce into the skillet and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until glossy, bubbling, and perfectly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Serve Warm

Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Let everything heat through for a minute or two. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top—this little crunch and nuttiness are the perfect final touch.

Top Tip

Over the years, a few small adjustments have made my Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe truly foolproof—here are some of my best tips based on what I've learned the hard way.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches is worth the extra effort—you'll get that perfect sear and avoid sogginess.
Make the Slurry Fresh: Always whisk cornstarch with cold water right before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Powdered versions just don’t deliver the same punch of flavor.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: I like mine a little less sweet than usual, but feel free to tweak the maple syrup or honey ratio to suit your family.

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe

healthy sesame chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always stick with toasted sesame seeds for that lovely crunch and nuttiness. Sometimes I add chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color and freshness — it brightens the plate and your palate!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Quick stir-fried veggies like bok choy or snap peas are my go-to sides to keep things light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served this inside lettuce cups topped with crunchy bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime—everyone loved the handheld version! You could also plate it over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a colorful, veggie-forward meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it typically lasts 3-4 days. Just a heads up—the sauce thickens quite a bit once chilled, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well—portion it out before freezing for easy meals later. When thawed, the texture is still great, and the flavors hold up nicely.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftover Healthy Sesame Chicken on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but stirring halfway through helps keep the sauce smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and add extra juiciness to this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Is this recipe suitable for paleo and gluten-free diets?

Yes! This recipe uses gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and avoids any refined sugars or grains, making it both paleo and gluten-free friendly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, you could swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup or another vegan sweetener. Just be mindful the texture and cook time will differ.

Why does the sauce thicken so much when refrigerated?

The cornstarch in the sauce thickens as it cools, which makes the sauce gel in the fridge. Simply reheat with a little water or broth to loosen it back to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that reminds me why homemade meals are so satisfying—you get control over every flavor, texture, and ingredient. I hope you try it and love it as much as I do, sharing it with your people on busy weeknights or whenever you need a little extra comfort food that's also nourishing. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed how easy it is to make a classic taste healthy and delicious!