Healthy Honey Sesame Chicken: A Better-Than-Takeout Classic

When you think of Asian takeout, sesame chicken often tops the list. Sweet, sticky, and savory, it’s a dish that always satisfies cravings. But what if you could enjoy that same flavor without the heavy breading, excess oil, or hidden gluten? That’s where Healthy Honey Sesame Chicken comes in.

This recipe takes everything you love about sesame chicken — tender chicken, sweet honey glaze, toasted sesame seeds — and transforms it into a lighter, gluten-free version. Quick to make, full of flavor, and better for you, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: Lighter than traditional takeout with clean ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Made with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
• Quick Dinner: Ready in just 25 minutes.
• Family Approved: Sweet, savory, and kid-friendly.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for paleo option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
• 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken:
   Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Cook Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Sauce:
   In the same skillet, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, water, and sesame oil. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine:
   Return chicken to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Cook another 2 minutes until sauce is glossy and sticky.
5. Garnish & Serve:
   Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies.

Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken

• Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for extra flavor.
• For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
• If sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water.

Variations

• Paleo Sesame Chicken: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Replace honey with a sugar-free honey substitute.
• Vegetarian Option: Use crispy tofu cubes instead of chicken.
• Spicy Version: Add chili garlic sauce or fresh sliced chili peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy
• A fresh cucumber salad for balance

Healthy Honey Sesame Chicken (Gluten-Free)

A lightened-up, gluten-free version of sesame chicken with tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame glaze. Quick, healthy, and delicious.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
• 2 green onions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Toss chicken with cornstarch until coated.
2. Heat oil in skillet and cook chicken 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, water, and sesame oil. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
4. Return chicken to skillet and toss in sauce. Cook 2 minutes until sticky and glossy.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.

Notes

For paleo, use coconut aminos and arrowroot. Make ahead and store in the fridge for 4 days. Serve with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in meal prep containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
• Meal Prep Tip: Divide into containers with rice and veggies for ready-to-go healthy lunches.