Fresh & Wholesome Healthy Sesame Chicken With Green Beans Recipe

Tender chicken pieces dance with a light, zesty glaze in this wholesome sesame chicken recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal guilt.

Lean protein meets vibrant green beans in a delightful culinary harmony.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and nutritious goodness.

The sesame-infused sauce brings a subtle nuttiness that elevates the entire dish.

Fresh ingredients come together quickly for a meal that feels both indulgent and health-conscious.

Crisp green beans add a satisfying crunch alongside fluffy rice, making every forkful a delightful experience.

You’ll love how this simple yet sophisticated recipe transforms weeknight dinner into something special.

Highlights of Healthy Sesame Chicken with Rice

• Packed with lean protein and fresh green beans, this recipe offers a nutritious twist on classic sesame chicken without sacrificing flavor.
• Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• From start to finish, this dish comes together smoothly with straightforward steps, allowing you to prepare a gourmet-style meal in less than an hour.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients like using cauliflower rice for low-carb options or adding extra vegetables for more nutrition.

Ingredients for Healthy Sesame Chicken with Rice

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main component of the dish and provides a hearty texture.

• Coconut Aminos, Honey: Provides a balanced sweet and savory flavor profile for the chicken.
• Sesame Oil, Ground Ginger, Minced Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar, Black Pepper, Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Enhances the overall taste with tangy and bright notes.

• Avocado Oil: Creates a non-stick surface and helps brown the chicken evenly.
• White Rice: Serves as a classic base for the chicken dish.
• Green Beans: Offers a fresh and nutritious vegetable component.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides a crunchy garnish and additional nutty flavor.

How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken with Rice

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet over medium temperature and drizzle avocado oil across the pan.

Allow the oil to warm and become slightly shimmery, which helps create a perfect golden sear for the chicken without any sticking issues.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

Drop chicken cubes into the heated pan, spreading them in a single layer.

Cook the pieces, turning periodically, until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown color.

The chicken will take roughly 10-12 minutes to cook completely, and you’ll know it’s done when no pink remains inside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Blend

• Coconut aminos
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Ground ginger
• Minced garlic
• Rice vinegar
• Black pepper
• Lime zest
• Lime juice

Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Temporarily Set Aside Chicken

Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken pieces to a nearby plate, keeping them warm and ready for the next stage of cooking.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet.

Heat over medium, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and starts bubbling softly.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return chicken pieces to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each morsel gets completely coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Plate the Dish

Arrange cooked white rice and steamed green beans on serving plates.

Generously spoon the saucy chicken over the grains and vegetables.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle sesame seeds across the top of each plate.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Handy Tips for Healthy Sesame Chicken with Rice

• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and spread chicken pieces in a single layer to achieve golden-brown edges without overcrowding, which prevents steaming instead of browning.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly and let it simmer until it reaches a slightly thickened, glossy texture that will beautifully coat each chicken piece without being too runny.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a subtle kick that enhances the overall taste profile without overwhelming the dish's delicate balance.
• Replace white rice with cauliflower rice or serve over spiralized zucchini noodles to make the recipe more keto-friendly and reduce total carbohydrate content.
• Cook extra chicken and sauce, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing quick reheating for fast weeknight meals or lunch preparation.

Storing and Reheating Healthy Sesame Chicken with Rice

• Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the dish will last up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency. Heat until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Great Pairings for Healthy Sesame Chicken with Rice

• Savor Sesame Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Light, zesty sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich sesame sauce, balancing the chicken's sweet and tangy profile with its bright, refreshing notes.
• Citrus-Infused Iced Tea Refresher: Chilled green tea mixed with fresh lemon slices provides a clean, palate-cleansing accompaniment that enhances the dish's delicate asian-inspired flavors.
• Crunchy Asian Slaw Side: Prepare a quick cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar dressing to add textural contrast and provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm sesame chicken.
• Nutty Toasted Sesame Garnish: Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews over the dish to amplify the nutty undertones and add a delightful crunchy element to each bite.

Flavor Twists for Healthy Sesame Chicken with Rice

• Low-Carb Rice Alternative: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the dish's delicious flavor profile while reducing overall calorie intake.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace coconut aminos with tamari sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, pressing and marinating the protein beforehand to achieve a similar texture and absorb the savory sauce effectively.
• Paleo-Friendly Adaptation: Remove honey and use pure maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener, and serve over roasted vegetable medley instead of rice to align with paleo dietary guidelines.

FAQs

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it safe for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or turkey for a similar flavor profile and cooking method.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a teaspoon of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the finished dish for an extra kick of heat.

• Are the ingredients easy to find?

Most ingredients like coconut aminos, sesame oil, and rice vinegar are readily available in grocery stores, health food stores, or online retailers.

Healthy Sesame Chicken With Green Beans And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken dances with vibrant flavors, blending lean protein and crisp green beans over fluffy rice. Homemade goodness delivers a delightful Asian-inspired meal you can savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes

Vegetables and Base:

• 2 cups (300 grams) green beans, steamed
• 1 cup (195 grams) cooked white rice

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice (from 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) lime zest (from 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon (9 grams) sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature, adding avocado oil until it shimmers, creating an ideal surface for browning chicken without sticking.
2. Add chicken cubes in a single layer, sautéing for 10-12 minutes and flipping periodically until golden brown and fully cooked through with no pink centers.
3. Prepare sauce by whisking coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it nearby for the next cooking phase.
5. Pour whisked sauce into the same skillet, heating over medium and stirring continuously for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and develops slight bubbling.
6. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the thickened sauce and ensuring complete flavor integration.
7. Plate cooked white rice and steamed green beans, then top generously with the sesame-coated chicken, distributing sauce evenly across each serving.
8. Complete the dish by sprinkling sesame seeds over the top and serving immediately while hot, creating an appetizing and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Use high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed for even browning without burning the chicken.
• Ensure chicken pieces are similar sizes for consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve crispy, golden-brown exterior and promote better caramelization.
• Adjust honey quantity for desired sweetness level or substitute with maple syrup for vegan option.
• For gluten-free version, confirm coconut aminos are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat and flavor complexity.
• Marinate chicken beforehand in sauce for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for lower-carb alternative that maintains dish’s nutritional balance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg