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Healthy Sesame Chicken

This Healthy Sesame Chicken is crispy on the outside and coated in a tangy-sweet sesame sauce. Gluten free and paleo friendly, it’s ready in just 30 minutes for a family-friendly dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into 1″ cubes
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp gluten free tamari, soy sauce, or coconut aminos
  • 1-2 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 Tbsp gluten free tamari, soy sauce, or coconut aminos
  • 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • pinch red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, toss diced chicken with 2 Tbsp cornstarch and 1 1/2 Tbsp tamari until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 Tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches, 3-4 minutes on the first side and 1-3 minutes on the second side, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In a bowl, whisk water, tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 1 Tbsp water to make a slurry.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Add slurry to sauce mixture, whisk to combine, then pour into skillet. Cook 3-5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  6. Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve warm.

Notes

For Paleo, use arrowroot and coconut aminos. If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of water. Using low-sodium tamari or soy sauce helps control saltiness. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.