Skinny Sesame Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Skinny Sesame Chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe uses lean chicken breast and a light sauce packed with ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey for sweetness. It’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your craving for takeout without the guilt.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into 1″ chunks
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup fat free chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons lite soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon room temperature water
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat canola oil in a heavy skillet over high heat.
2. Step 2: Add chicken chunks and cook until browned and crisp on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add sesame oil to the skillet and heat briefly.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth, honey, lite soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Cook the sauce until it thickens and reduces slightly, then return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle with white sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, serve over steamed broccoli or snap peas.
• Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Adding sliced green onions or toasted peanuts can give added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more juiciness and flavor to the dish.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a mild kick from the crushed red pepper, which can be adjusted up or down according to your heat preference.

Skinny Sesame Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 147 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A light and flavorful Skinny Sesame Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breast chunks cooked to crisp perfection in canola oil, then tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sesame sauce made with garlic, ginger, honey, lite soy sauce, and a hint of crushed red pepper. Garnished with toasted white sesame seeds, this dish offers a deliciously healthy take on a classic Asian-inspired favorite.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Sauce

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into 1” chunks
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup fat free chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons lite soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon room temperature water (cornstarch slurry)

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Add the canola oil to a heavy skillet and heat it over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and crispy on the outside, ensuring they are cooked through but still tender.
2. Remove Chicken, Heat Sesame Oil: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set aside. Then add the sesame oil to the same skillet and heat it briefly to prepare for the aromatics.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Cook them for about 10-15 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the fat free chicken broth, honey, lite soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine the flavors.
5. Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the skillet mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, forming a glossy coating.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss them in the thickened sauce to coat evenly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the white sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving for added flavor and a nutty crunch.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean protein source.
• Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred heat level.
• The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce; stir continuously to avoid lumps.
• Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Canola oil and sesame oil provide a balance of neutral flavor and authentic aroma.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: skinny sesame chicken, healthy chicken recipe, Asian chicken stir fry, low fat chicken, sesame chicken with honey sauce