Tender, juicy chicken with a crispy paleo breading, fried to golden brown and tossed with a sweet and savory sesame sauce. This quick and easy better-than-take-out healthy sesame chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. And it is Paleo, Gluten-Free and Soy-Free, low carb, and can be made Whole30 friendly too!
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Mouthwatering healthy sesame chicken cooked to perfection!
It makes a delicious and nutritious dinner that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
This Paleo sesame chicken recipe provides a lean source of protein, allowing you to build your meal around it with all of your family’s favorite fixings.
Kids will love this recipe too!
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Why Do I Love this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe?
I love a good take-out sesame chicken, but now even better? We have a healthy version of it that I can enjoy with no consequence (You know what I’m talking about..)
This recipe is so flavorful (better than take-out if you ask me), quick, and easy to make.
It is made with clean, healthy ingredients.
Moreover, it’s freezer-friendly. So you can double the recipe and have healthy meals ready to go for a busy week, This would also make a great addition to postpartum freezer meals for new moms.
Preparation is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and recipes like this help make that easier for you!
It’s great for meal prep or just on a day where you don’t have time to cook, you can pull it from the freezer and enjoy a healthy “TV” style dinner.
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Ingredients for Healthy Sesame Chicken
Nothing but clean, wholesome ingredients are used in this recipe!
For this recipe you will need:
- Chicken breast
- Egg
- Coconut aminos
- Salt, to taste*
- Oil, for frying
- Arrowroot flour
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For the Sesame Sauce:
- Coconut aminos
- Water
- Toasted sesame oil
- Maple or date syrup (optional, omit for Whole30 option)
- Rice vinegar
- Arrowroot starch
- Garlic, minced
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion
*Most coconut aminos are fairly salty themselves, so be mindful of the salt content when adding in your own.
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How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken
Making homemade gluten-free sesame chicken is super easy! In less than half an hour you can have all the flavors of take-out sesame chicken.
First, make the chicken marinade by whisking the egg, coconut aminos, and salt.
Then, place chicken in the marinade, cover, and set aside for at least half an hour to absorb flavors. You can allow it to sit overnight as well.
Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a non-sticking pot until shimmering.
Dip marinated chicken in arrowroot starch with all sides thoroughly coated. Shake off excess flour.
Then, place breaded chicken in the hot oil and fry all sides until golden brown and crispy. Chicken is thoroughly cooked when the internal temp reaches 165F. (The smaller size you cut the chicken, the shorter time it will take).
Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
Now, using the same pot, wipe out the excess oil (if any) and add coconut aminos, water, sesame oil, maple syrup (if using), rice vinegar, arrowroot starch, garlic, and ginger to create the sesame sauce.
Whisk together all of the ingredients and bring to a boil.
Once the edges of the sauce start to bubble, immediately reduce to a simmer and continue to whisk until sauce thickens.
As soon as the sauce thickens, turn off the heat and add the chicken back to the pot, and coat thoroughly.
Garnish this healthy sesame chicken dish with sesame seeds and chopped scallion. Enjoy!
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How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is super versatile because you can serve it with so many different options.
Some of my favorites are:
- Cauliflower rice– great low carb, Whole30 option
- Jasmine rice
- Stir Fry Veggies
- Used to make lettuce wraps
- Sliced and added to salads
- Quinoa
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Some Kids friendly options might include:
- Mac n cheese
- Mashed potato/cauliflower mash
This healthy sesame chicken serves as a great staple recipe for meal prep.
Not only it is made with all clean ingredients, it is also freezer friendly.
Additionally, you can turn it into so many different meal options to keep you from getting bored.
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How to Store Healthy Sesame Chicken
Store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
It will also stay good in the freezer for up to a month. Healthy freezer dinner anyone?!
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What’s your favorite way to eat sesame chicken? Leave a comment below!
I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS
More Healthy Asian Food Recipes You May Like:
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1. Healthy Paleo Orange Chicken
2. Whole30 Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
3. Instant Pot whole30 Cashew Chicken
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Healthy Sesame Chicken {Paleo}
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs
- 2 – 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 egg whisked
- Salt to taste *
- 1/2 cup arrowroot flour
- oil for frying
Sesame Sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup filtered water
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1.5 tbsp arrowroot starch
- Salt to taste *
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 inch of fresh ginger minced
- 2 – 3 tbsp maple syrup omit for Whole30 or Keto option
- Scallion and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- First, make the chicken marinade by whisking the egg, coconut aminos and salt. Place chicken in marinade and set aside for at least half an hour to absorb flavors. You can allow is to sit overnight as well.
- Then, heat 1/2 inch of oil in a non-sticking pot until shimmering.
- Dip marinated chicken in arrowroot starch with all sides thoroughly coated. Shake off excess flour.
- Place floured chicken in the hot oil and fry all sides until golden brown and crispy. Chicken is thoroughly cooked when the internal temp reaches 165F. **
- Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
- Using the same pot, wipe out the excess oil (if any) and add coconut aminos, water, sesame oil, maple syrup (if using), rice vinegar, arrowroot starch, garlic and ginger to create the sesame sauce.
- Whisk together all of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Once the edges of the sauce start to bubble, immediately reduce to a simmer and continue to whisk until sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce thickens, add chicken back to the pot and coat thoroughly.
- Garnish chicken with sesame seeds and chopped scallion. Enjoy!
Notes
- *Coconut amino itself is salty, so take that into consideration when you salt the chicken.
- ** The smaller you cut the chicken, the faster they cook.
Recommended Products
Nutrition
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This does not result in any extra cost for you, but it does mean that I make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Very delicious! A fun treat. Almost too good 😋
Hi Steph!
Yay we are glad you enjoyed it 🙂
-Constance
This was delicious. Authentic tasting, you would never know how clean the ingredients are – and I love that! I have now recommended this recipe to tons of friends who want to eat cleaner but miss unhealthy food. Everyone has raved about it too.
Even as a busy mom it wasnt hard to do all the different steps.
Thank you so much!
I made extra for the freezer, it tasted great, as did leftovers thr next day from the fridge.
I LOVED this one! The sauce is to die for. Will absolutely be making again.
That’s a wow recipe, Shuang! Sesame chicken in almost half an hour is worth a try. Sesame seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Hi Mischelle,
Thank you! It is my favorite for all these reasons too 🙂
Shuang