If you’re craving a delicious and nutritious meal, look no further than this Healthy Sesame Chicken with Quinoa Bowl. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
The combination of tender chicken, nutty quinoa, and vibrant vegetables makes it a satisfying option that won’t weigh you down. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, and add the chicken. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked.
- As the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Once the chicken is cooked, add the green onions and the prepared soy sauce mixture to the pan, stirring quickly to coat the chicken evenly as the sauce thickens.
- Stir in sesame oil, remove the pan from heat, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve the chicken over cooked quinoa.
- To cook the quinoa, rinse one cup of dry quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with two cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
FAQ
- What makes this Sesame Chicken recipe lighter than the traditional version?
- This recipe opts for sautéing the chicken instead of deep-frying it, and it uses a sauce sweetened with honey. Additionally, it is served over quinoa rather than rice, making it a healthier alternative.
- Can I add vegetables to this Sesame Chicken dish?
- Yes, you can certainly add more vegetables to the sauté. While the recipe suggests using green onions, feel free to incorporate other veggies for added nutrition and flavor.
- How do you prepare the quinoa for this recipe?
- The quinoa is cooked by simmering one cup of dry quinoa in two cups of chicken broth. This method adds extra flavor to the quinoa, which complements the sesame chicken well.
- What is the purpose of cornstarch in the sauce?
- Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a nice consistency that coats the chicken pieces well.
- Is there an alternative to soy sauce for those with dietary restrictions?
- For those avoiding soy, tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce in this recipe.
Tips
- Prepare Quinoa Using Chicken Broth: Enhance the flavor of your quinoa by cooking it in chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste that complements the sesame chicken.
- Balance Your Sauce: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey to suit your taste preference, ensuring it’s not overly sweet.
- Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition: Consider incorporating additional vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli into the saute for added nutrition and a burst of color.
- Quickly Thicken the Sauce: Once you add the soy sauce mixture to the pan, stir promptly as the sauce will thicken rapidly. This ensures even coating on the chicken pieces.
Equipment
- Large sauté pan: Essential for cooking the chicken and mixing it with the sauce.
- Whisk: Useful for combining the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Garlic press or mincer (optional): Helpful if you don’t want to mince garlic by hand.
