Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: Coconut aminos, avocado oil, and honey provide a healthier, lower-sugar alternative to traditional sesame chicken.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients for different dietary preferences, making it versatile.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Ideal for those following a gluten-free or low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Rice: 1 cup cooked white rice
- Cooking Oil: ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- Green Beans: 2 cups, steamed
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and sauté until browned on all sides, about 10-12 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Pour the sauce into the same pan and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Divide the cooked rice and steamed green beans onto plates, top with the sesame chicken, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Just steam them according to the package directions before serving.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe is gluten-free.
3. Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil?
Yes, olive oil or another high-heat oil can be used in place of avocado oil.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste to the sauce to give it some heat.
5. Can I substitute rice with another grain?
Yes, quinoa or brown rice would work well as substitutes for white rice.
6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
7. What can I serve this dish with?
This dish pairs well with a simple salad, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach for a well-rounded meal.
8. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as alternatives to honey.
9. Is this dish low-carb?
Yes, this recipe is low-carb, especially if you serve it with cauliflower rice.
10. Can I use store-bought sesame sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought sesame sauce if you’re short on time, but homemade sauce offers a fresher flavor.
Conclusion
This Healthy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice is a delicious and easy meal that is both nutritious and flavorful. With the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, it makes a great option for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you are looking for a gluten-free, low-carb dish, or just a healthy option for the family, this recipe delivers!
Healthy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Rice is a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional sesame chicken. Made with lean chicken breast, a tangy sesame garlic sauce, and steamed green beans, this quick dish is low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect for a busy weeknight. The addition of coconut aminos and lime adds richness to every bite, making this meal both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- For the Green Beans:
- 2 cups, steamed
- For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
Heat ½ tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and sauté for 10-12 minutes, cooking until browned on all sides. - Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl. - Combine Sauce and Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. - Add Chicken to Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until it’s fully coated. - Serve:
Divide the cooked rice and steamed green beans onto plates. Top with the sesame chicken and garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.
- Low-carb option: Serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
