Sticky Sesame Chicken

Chicken bites are pan fried in sesame oil and avocado oil and then tossed in a ginger sauce. Paired with steamed broccoli, every saucy bite bursts with sweet, tangy, sesame flavor. 

What can I expect?

This recipe tastes just like your favorite takeout order. However, unlike most sesame chicken recipes, you won’t find any added sugar in this dish. Instead, of using honey, brown sugar, and ketchup, we create a simple sesame sauce with natural ingredients and a sugar substitute to create the same great flavor with natural ingredients you can feel good about. 

Then, we combine everything in a single skillet so you can have a complete meal on the table in just 20 minutes. Faster than takeout and tastier, too, this sesame chicken is a high-protein, low-carb, nutrient-rich dinner that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your home! 

Is This One Pan Sesame Chicken Healthy? 

Let’s take a look at the main ingredients: 

• Sesame oil
• Chicken breasts
• Spices
• Broccoli

Sesame oil, chicken breast, spices, and broccoli are all natural, nutritious food sources. Use them to create a variety of easy, flavorful meals. 

Sugar is what makes food unhealthy.

Traditional sesame chicken recipes are made with brown sugar, ketchup, and honey, which digest very similarly to sugar. 

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of each, for a total of 49 to 74g of sugar, and you’re looking at heartburn with an energy crash. (And you’ll be scouring the pantry for your next sugar snack within the hour.)

Substitute the brown sugar, ketchup, and honey with a natural brown sugar alternative, and this recipe becomes nourishment. The ingredients provide vitamins, minerals, protein, and quality, whole-food energy. 

Enjoy this sesame chicken knowing it supports your well-being. Learn more about eating less sugar here.

Sesame Chicken Tips

1. Bulk up your meal 

This recipe can easily be served on its own as a complete meal. Or, you can make it even more filling by serving it over a bed of cauliflower rice or low-carb noodles. This is a great way to soak up all the sauce, too! 

2. Store leftovers

Once cooled, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Then, just warm in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat when you’re ready to eat. 

3. Have leftover chicken?

Use it to make baked caprese chicken, spinach & cheese stuffed chicken breasts, or marry me chicken. You’ll have different healthy options to choose from throughout the week so you never get bored! 

4. Add extra veggies

We keep things simple with the addition of fresh broccoli florets. However, you could include any veggies you have on hand for extra nutrients and fiber. For example, bell peppers, onions, and snap peas would all taste great.

Sesame Chicken (One Pan)

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:20 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 tsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 chicken breasts
• 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
• 1 ½ tsp water
• ¼ cup light alternative brown sugar swerve
• ¼ cup coconut aminos
• 2 tsp sugar free barbecue sauce
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp Chinese 5 Spice
• Squeeze half lime tablespoon
• 5 cups of broccoli
• Garnish with sesame seeds

Instructions

• Cut chicken up into 1 inch cubes and cook in sesame oil and avocado oil. Cook on medium to high heat for about 5 minutes until nearly cooked through. Set aside on a cool burner.
• While the chicken cooks, mix in a bowl: xanthan gum and water- stir and set slurry to the side.
• In another small saucepan add the brown sugar, coconut aminos, barbecue sauce, Chinese 5 spice, ginger and lime juice and combine on low to medium heat on a gentle simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add the slurry to the small saucepan and mix together with a whisk for 3 – 4 minutes or until thickened.
• Add broccoli to the pan with the chicken and pour your sauce over and cook for 5-8 more minutes on medium heat.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.

Notes

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Please let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #neutraleating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recipe from Neutral Eating: https://neutraleating.com/sesame-chicken-one-pan

Servings: 4

Author: Neutral Eating