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Savory High Protein Sesame Chicken

A delicious high-protein dish of chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce, paired with green beans and served over fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken and sauce
  • 1.25 lbs chicken, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes Use organic, free-range chicken for the best flavor.
  • 0.75 tbsp avocado oil Great for high-heat cooking.
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos A perfect soy sauce substitute.
  • 1.5 tbsp honey Adjust based on your sweetness preference.
  • 1.25 tbsp sesame oil Adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
  • 0.75 tsp ginger, freshly grated Don’t skip the fresh ginger—it’s a game changer.
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp lime zest The zest really elevates the dish.
  • 1 tbsp lime juice Fresh-squeezed is best.
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds For garnish and crunch.
  • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes For that subtle kick.
For the vegetables and rice
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed and snapped into 2-inch pieces Feel free to swap with broccoli or snap peas.
  • 1 cup white rice Jasmine or basmati would complement this dish beautifully.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes and trimming the green beans into 2-inch pieces.
  2. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
  3. Begin cooking the rice according to package instructions.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime zest, lime juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken cubes, ensuring they are spaced apart, and cook for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown. Avoid stirring too often; let them sit to develop that beautiful color.
Add Aromatics
  1. Just before the chicken is done, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet.
  2. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Combine with Sauce
  1. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat.
  2. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken beautifully.
Add Vegetables
  1. Toss in the green beans and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re tender-crisp.
Finishing Touches
  1. Remove from heat, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top, and serve the sesame chicken over the fluffy white rice.

Notes

Always opt for high-quality ingredients, as they significantly elevate the final dish. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You can prep the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time for smoother cooking.