Crispy High Protein Sesame Chicken Recipe

Crispy High Protein Sesame Chicken Recipe for Fitness Fans

Tender chicken pieces coated in a delectable sesame chicken recipe burst with bold Asian-inspired flavors that dance on your palate.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this dish delivers a perfect balance of crispy and succulent textures.

The golden-brown coating locks in juicy chicken while creating an irresistible crunch.

Sesame seeds add a delightful nutty dimension to every bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up at home.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Dive into this mouthwatering sesame chicken and savor every delicious moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 3

All You Need For High Protein Sesame Chicken

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that creates tender, succulent bites with perfect golden exterior when coated correctly.
  • Cornstarch: Magical coating agent that helps achieve crispy chicken texture and helps sauce cling beautifully.
For Sauce Builders:
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and rich saltiness to elevate the entire dish.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy note that balances the richness of chicken.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces distinctive nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor profile.
  • Sesame Seeds: Brings delightful crunch and toasty undertones to the final presentation.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Fundamental flavor foundations that create complex, layered taste sensations.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds vibrant color and mild oniony brightness.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create smooth cooking surface and provides subtle underlying richness.

Kitchen Tools For High Protein Sesame Chicken

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the delicious sesame sauce.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for preparing chicken and chopping green onions.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: Crucial for accurate sauce ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring chicken and mixing sauce.
  • Small Bowl: Helpful for mixing cornstarch slurry.
  • Tongs: Ideal for handling and tossing chicken during cooking.

Directions For High Protein Sesame Chicken

  • Chicken Preparation

Grab your chicken and dust it with a light cornstarch coating, ensuring each piece gets a delicate powdery embrace that will create a crispy exterior.

  • Sizzling Golden Transformation

Fire up a skillet with a splash of olive oil, letting it heat to a perfect sear temperature. Dance the chicken pieces around until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, developing a mouthwatering crust that promises incredible flavor.

  • Flavor Symphony

Without cleaning the skillet, introduce minced garlic and ginger, letting their aromatic essence fill the kitchen. Pour in a tantalizing blend of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, creating a glossy, rich sauce that will make taste buds sing.

  • Sauce Alchemy

Sprinkle in sesame seeds and let the sauce bubble gently, transforming into a luxurious coating that will cling lovingly to each chicken piece. Watch as it thickens into a gorgeous, glossy finish.

  • Final Fusion

Reunite the crispy chicken with the irresistible sauce, allowing them to mingle and marry their flavors. Let everything warm through, creating a harmonious dish that promises pure deliciousness.

  • Elegant Presentation

Shower the chicken with fresh green onions and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds. Nestle this culinary masterpiece atop steamed rice or a bed of vibrant vegetables, ready to be devoured.

Cooking Tips For High Protein Sesame Chicken

  • Crispy Coating Perfection: Ensure chicken pieces are completely dry before coating with cornstarch for maximum crispiness and even golden color.
  • Protein Swap Magic: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or lean turkey for diverse protein options that work brilliantly in this recipe.
  • Low-Carb Friendly Hack: Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
  • Meal Prep Champion: This dish stores wonderfully in airtight containers for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for batch cooking and quick weeknight meals.
  • Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for heat lovers, or keep it mild for sensitive palates by adjusting chili amounts according to personal preference.

Serving Style For High Protein Sesame Chicken

  • Hearty Grain Companion: Serve this high-protein sesame chicken over fluffy brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and create a satisfying, balanced meal that keeps you energized.
  • Asian-Inspired Veggie Medley: Pair the chicken with a colorful stir-fried vegetable mix like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add crunch, freshness, and extra nutrients to your plate.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Magic: Transform this dish into fun lettuce wraps using crisp butter lettuce leaves, allowing guests to create their own delicious handheld bites with the saucy, sesame-coated chicken.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Cool the chicken completely and store in airtight containers with separate sauce, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch option that stays delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated.

Store And Keep High Protein Sesame Chicken Fresh

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a double batch of this sesame chicken and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. Perfect for meal preppers looking to save time and energy.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Safely store leftovers in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated chicken within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Keep sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to prevent drying out. Pro tip: Separate sauce from chicken before freezing to maintain texture.
  • Reheating Tricks: Revive cold chicken by warming in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and restore the dish's original deliciousness.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy High Protein Sesame Chicken Recipe

Crispy High Protein Sesame Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Sesame chicken blends Chinese-American flavors with lean protein and crispy texture. Balanced ingredients create a satisfying meal that delivers complex tastes you will savor in every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsps honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (slurry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds, additional

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring an even, light layer that promises crispy perfection.
  2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame. Introduce chicken, stirring consistently for 6-8 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp exterior and complete internal cooking.
  3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, quickly sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Pour in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors harmoniously.
  4. Sauce Refinement: Whisk cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy, luxurious consistency.
  5. Final Fusion: Reintroduce crispy chicken to the sauce, gently rotating to ensure complete, sumptuous coating. Warm together for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to marry completely.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with vibrant green onions and a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds. Serve alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables for a protein-packed, flavor-rich meal.

Notes

  • Cornstarch Coating Technique: Ensure chicken pieces are evenly and lightly coated with cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delicate crunch.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat while cooking chicken to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning, allowing even cooking and maximum flavor development.
  • Sauce Consistency Magic: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to create a glossy, thick sauce that clings beautifully to each chicken piece, preventing a watery or thin result.
  • Garnish Impact: Sprinkle fresh green onions and extra sesame seeds just before serving to add a burst of color, texture, and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star