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Sesame chicken breast with sesame seeds and green onions over brown rice and steamed broccoli.

Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe | Clean Eating Takeout at Home

Samantha
This healthy sesame chicken recipe is a lighter take on the classic favorite—featuring juicy chicken breast tossed in a naturally sweet sesame glaze and baked to perfection. Packed with flavor, low in sugar, and perfect for meal prep, it’s an easy weeknight dinner your whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder for paleo version
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 ½ tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds plus more for garnish
  • Optional: sliced green onions and red pepper flakes for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  • Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until lightly coated.
  • Arrange chicken on the sheet and drizzle with oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
  • Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and water. Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Toss baked chicken in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and optional toppings.
  • Serve hot with broccoli, cauliflower rice, or brown rice.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Healthy Sesame Chicken

1. Dry the chicken before tossing in cornstarch: Patting the chicken breast pieces dry ensures the cornstarch sticks well, helping you achieve that signature crisp texture—without any frying. It’s a must for crispy baked sesame chicken.
2. Use parchment paper for perfect baking: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper (not foil) helps prevent sticking and gives the chicken evenly browned edges—key for a takeout-style finish.
3. Don’t skip the broil step: For that golden, slightly charred look, pop the chicken under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end. It mimics the sear of a wok and adds visual appeal to your baked sesame chicken.
4. Double the sauce for meal prep: The sesame glaze thickens as it cools. If you’re prepping for multiple days, make a little extra and store it separately. This keeps your sesame chicken meal prep bowls saucy and fresh-tasting all week.
5. Add the sesame oil last: Sesame oil loses its flavor if overcooked. Stir it into the sauce at the very end to retain its nutty, toasty aroma—a key layer in any clean eating sesame chicken recipe.
6. Sweeten smartly: While honey is used here for its natural sweetness, you can also try monk fruit syrup or date paste for a refined sugar-free twist. It’s a great swap for low calorie sesame chicken without sacrificing taste.
7. Garnish like a pro: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions not only makes the dish pop visually—they also add texture and freshness. It’s a small step that elevates every bowl.
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