If you’re looking for a quick, Asian-inspired chicken dinner that’s full of flavor, family-friendly, and ready in about 20 minutes, this Honey Sesame Chicken is just the ticket. High in protein, made in one pan, and more satisfying than takeout, it’s a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Perfect for meal prep, pleasing picky eaters, or serving an easy yet impressive weeknight meal, this healthy honey sesame chicken brings big flavor with minimal effort.
One Pan High-Protein Dinner: Honey Sesame Chicken
This is a go-to high-protein weeknight meal that keeps the mess to a minimum. Chicken is naturally lean and versatile, and here it’s elevated by a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that gives this simple dish a starring role in your dinner rotation. Everything cooks in one skillet, which concentrates flavor and makes cleanup easy. Best of all, from prep to plate should take about 20 minutes—fast, flavorful, and convenient.
Simple and Healthy Meal for the Whole Family
This recipe is surprisingly easy for how delicious it is. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll recreate the flavors of your favorite takeout in a fraction of the time. Consider doubling the recipe for easy lunches or leftovers during the week—this one stores and reheats nicely.
It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in added sugar (just 2 tablespoons of honey for the entire dish), making it a well-balanced option that’s likely to please even picky eaters.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this quick honey sesame chicken:
- Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
- Onion, finely diced
- Minced garlic
- Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Coconut aminos (soy-free alternative to soy sauce)
- Raw or manuka honey
- Sesame oil
- Water
- Arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)
- Green onion, chopped
- Sesame seeds
This straightforward ingredient list relies on pantry staples with a few flavorful additions—no complicated sauces required.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Chicken
Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Toss with 1–2 tablespoons of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper while you heat the skillet—this boosts flavor and helps the chicken brown.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Warm a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is soft and fragrant.
3. Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken to the hot skillet, spreading it into a single layer so pieces brown evenly. Turn pieces every few minutes until lightly seared and nearly cooked through.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, and a splash of water. In a small bowl, whisk arrowroot starch with a few tablespoons of water to make a slurry, then add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
5. Simmer & Finish
Simmer everything together for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken. Stir in chopped green onions and sesame seeds, then serve over rice with a green vegetable on the side.
Is Honey Sesame Chicken Healthy?
Yes. This recipe transforms a classic takeout favorite into a healthier homemade version. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in added sugar while providing lean protein and nutrient-rich aromatics. Cooking from scratch also helps you control sodium and oil, making it a better choice than many restaurant options.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations
Want to tweak the dish? Try these easy swaps:
- Arrowroot Starch: Swap cornstarch if needed.
- Protein Options: Use shrimp, beef strips, or firm tofu instead of chicken.
- Honey Alternatives: Maple syrup works in a pinch, though it changes the flavor slightly.
- Soy Swap: Regular soy sauce can replace coconut aminos—adjust salt to taste.
These substitutions let you adapt the recipe to dietary needs or ingredients on hand.
Honey Sesame Chicken FAQs
How long does this take to make?
About 20 minutes total—roughly 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze portions for 2–3 months. Thaw before reheating for best texture.
Want More Healthy Recipes Like This?
Try other simple, flavorful dinners or explore similar recipes for inspiration and variety.
what I used to make this recipe:
20-Min Honey Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 large organic chicken breasts, trimmed and cubed
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp raw or manuka honey
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
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In a large bowl, toss cubed chicken with 1–2 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper while your skillet heats.
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Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken, spreading it out so it can brown evenly.
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When the chicken is nearly cooked, add coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, and water, stirring to combine. In a small bowl, whisk arrowroot starch with a few tablespoons of water until dissolved, then pour into the skillet. Stir and cover, cooking on medium for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
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Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onion and 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Serve over rice with sautéed broccolini or a green vegetable, and garnish with extra green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!