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Healthy sesame chicken with broccoli and brown rice
Lamy Lamy

Healthy Sesame Chicken

Tender chicken and crisp broccoli coated in a glossy homemade sesame-ginger sauce for a quick one-pan dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 355
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Broccoli
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for coating the chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 4 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup water for steaming the broccoli
Sesame Ginger Sauce
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger finely grated
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For Serving
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid 12-inch recommended
  • Small mixing bowl for the sauce
  • Whisk
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Whisk the soy sauce, 3 tablespoons water, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  2. Pat the chicken dry. Toss it with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in one layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and the largest pieces reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a clean plate.
  4. Add the broccoli and 1/4 cup water to the skillet. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the lid and allow remaining water to evaporate.
  5. Whisk the sauce again, pour it into the skillet, and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbling, glossy, and thick enough to coat a spoon.
  6. Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet. Toss with the broccoli and sauce for 1 minute. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve with the optional grain.
    Healthy sesame chicken and broccoli coated in sauce in a skillet

Notes

  • Brown the chicken in batches if the skillet is crowded.
  • Whisk the sauce immediately before adding it because cornstarch settles.
  • Add water one tablespoon at a time if the glaze becomes too thick.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days.