The Best High Protein Sesame Chicken Recipe for Fit Foodies

Biting into a crispy, high protein sesame chicken that shatters your expectations of healthy eating.

Traditional takeout never tasted this incredible.

Lean chicken pieces get coated in a delightful glaze that balances sweet and savory perfectly.

Each tender morsel promises maximum nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Protein-packed meals don’t have to feel boring or bland anymore.

Asian-inspired techniques make this recipe a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

You’ll want to bookmark this delicious solution for quick, nutritious dinners that actually satisfy.

Grab your skillet and let’s revolutionize mealtime with this mouthwatering creation.

Simple Method For High Protein Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Coat Chicken in Cornstarch

Grab your chicken pieces and sprinkle cornstarch over them. Massage the cornstarch until every inch of chicken is perfectly dusted and evenly covered.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken into the hot pan. Let the pieces dance and sizzle, turning occasionally until they transform into golden, crispy perfection. Once cooked through, transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds

Blend everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Introduce a cornstarch slurry to the bubbling sauce. Stir constantly as the sauce transforms and becomes wonderfully thick and glossy.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet. Gently toss until every morsel is luxuriously coated in the rich, fragrant sauce. Allow everything to heat through for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or a bed of vibrant stir-fried vegetables for a protein-packed, flavor-explosion meal.

Tips That Help With High Protein Sesame Chicken

• Coat Chicken Precisely: Ensure even cornstarch coverage by using a resealable bag or large bowl, shaking the chicken pieces gently to create a light, uniform layer that helps achieve crispy, golden exterior.
• Control Cooking Heat: Use medium-high heat to prevent burning while creating a perfect golden-brown color on chicken pieces, which locks in moisture and develops rich flavor.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken without becoming too thick or runny.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary needs while maintaining the recipe's delicious sesame flavor profile.
• Enhance Meal Nutrition: Add extra vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the final cooking stage to boost nutritional value and create a more filling, balanced meal.

How To Store And Reheat High Protein Sesame Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat in Skillet: Warm the chicken over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently to evenly distribute heat and maintain the sauce's consistency.
• Microwave Option: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop heating once the chicken is thoroughly hot.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tasty Matches For High Protein Sesame Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich sesame sauce, balancing the dish's savory and sweet flavors with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sesame sauce perfectly, providing a subtle floral backdrop that enhances the chicken's umami-packed profile.
• Match with Asian-Inspired Slaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing adds texture and freshness, creating a harmonious contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.
• Enhance with Green Tea: A hot or iced green tea offers a clean, slightly grassy flavor that refreshes the palate and complements the dish's Asian-inspired seasonings.

Fun Variations Of High Protein Sesame Chicken

• Spicy Sesame Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sesame sauce for a fiery flavor profile that tingles your taste buds.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle toasted almonds or crushed peanuts over the finished dish for extra protein and a satisfying crunch.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and load up the base with roasted broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for a plant-based protein-packed meal.
• Citrus Fusion Style: Incorporate fresh orange zest and a splash of orange juice into the sauce for a bright, tangy undertone that complements the rich sesame flavors.

Questions People Ask About High Protein Sesame Chicken

• Why use cornstarch to coat the chicken?

Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior and helps the sauce stick better to the chicken, giving you a more flavorful and textured dish.

• Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar if you prefer. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile to the sesame sauce.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cut into the thickest piece to ensure no pink remains in the center.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe completely gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels carefully.

Reasons To Try High Protein Sesame Chicken

• Protein-Packed Power Punch: Loaded with high-quality chicken protein, this dish delivers a nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Quick and Effortless Cooking: Whipped up in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and seeds creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable to serve over rice, quinoa, or veggies, this dish works great for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing last-minute guests with minimal effort.

Must-Have Ingredients For High Protein Sesame Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main component of the dish, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender meat.

• Cornstarch, Cornstarch Slurry: Helps create a crispy exterior and thickens the sauce, look for a fine, smooth cornstarch for best results.

• Soy Sauce, Honey, Rice Vinegar: Create a balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile, use low-sodium soy sauce for less salt.
• Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds: Provide a rich, nutty flavor characteristic of Asian cuisine, toast sesame seeds for enhanced aroma.
• Garlic, Ginger: Add depth and aromatic base to the sauce, use fresh for the most intense flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and prevents sticking, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best taste.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished dish, slice thinly for even distribution.

High Protein Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken brings protein-packed perfection to dinner tables with crispy, golden-brown goodness. Quick and easy preparation helps hungry families enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Oil and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Additional sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Transform raw chicken pieces into a delicate, cornstarch-dusted coating, ensuring each morsel is evenly and lightly encrusted.
2. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil, creating a sizzling landscape over medium-high temperature, then carefully introduce the chicken, allowing golden transformation through 6-8 minutes of attentive stirring until perfectly cooked and crisp.
3. Utilizing the same heated vessel, awaken aromatic garlic and ginger for a quick 30-second dance, then cascade soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and nutty sesame seeds into a harmonious blend, gently coaxing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Integrate the cornstarch slurry, whisking persistently to weave a luxurious thickness throughout the sauce, watching it evolve and develop body over 1-2 minutes of constant attention.
5. Reunite the golden chicken with the glossy, fragrant sauce, tenderly rotating each piece to ensure complete, sumptuous coating, allowing an additional 2-minute warming embrace.
6. Crown the dish with a sprinkle of verdant green onions and extra sesame seeds, presenting a vibrant plate meant to accompany steamed rice, quinoa, or a medley of stir-fried vegetables for a nourishing culinary experience.

Notes

• Coat chicken thoroughly with cornstarch to create a crispy, golden exterior that helps seal in moisture and provides a delightful crunch.
• Use high-heat cooking method to quickly sear chicken, ensuring it remains juicy while developing a beautiful golden-brown color without overcooking.
• Customize the sauce’s sweetness and tanginess by adjusting honey and rice vinegar ratios to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Swap protein options easily by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for a versatile, diet-friendly recipe that accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free requirements.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg