This sesame chicken recipe is a healthy version of a classic Chinese take out meal with minimal effort! Tender pieces of chicken fried in a crunchy sesame coating and slathered in a sweet and tangy sauce…what’s not to love?!
When I was little, Chinese food was always one of my favorite family restaurant options. We didn’t go out often, but when we did, Chinese food was always a regular choice. I can only imagine at some of the ingredients used to create those deep fried chicken dishes I so loved.
MSG? Likely. Processed vegetable oils? Most definitely. And sugar? Probably a given!
Now, I know better. I know the quality of the food I put IN to my body really does have an impact on my health and well being! So to relive those nostalgic restaurant memories from my childhood…I create healthier versions of Chinese food everyone can enjoy!
Paleo Breading Options for Chinese Food:
- In this recipe, I have chose to coat the chicken pieces in a simple breading of egg whites and cassava flour. It is simple, straight forward, and totally delcious.
- A mix of coconut and tapioca flours can also be used.
- If you do rice, rice flour or sweet rice flour are both options.
How to Get a Sweet Flavor for a Whole30 Sauce?
I have used multiple version for a slight sweetness. While honey or stevia work for a Paleo version, for those doing a Whole30, no sweeteners of any kind are allowed. My two favorites for this sauce are pineapple (puree or juice) and apples (sauce or juice). They lend a subtle sweetness to the end product that is equally addicting and totally delicious!!
As a general rule of thumb, if you are doing a Whole30, turn to your fruits to sweeten! Some dishes and sauces lend themselves perfectly an all fruit sweetener!
Sesame Chicken Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this atop any favorite Asian slaw! I make a dressing of avocado oil, sesame oil, coconut aminos, and vinegar! Topped with this sesame chicken, it becomes a full meal!!
- Serve with some Whole30 Sriracha. Regular ole Sriracha has sugar, plus some preservatives. Here is a Paleo one sweetened with honey you could try, or this one is even Whole30 compliant!
- Serve with your favorite cauli rice, or white rice as allowed
- Steamed broccoli
- Sauteed green beans
More Paleo Asian Dinners to Try:
- Paleo Baked Bao Buns
- Quick Asian Stir Fry (using ground meat)
- Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
- Paleo Cashew Chicken @ I Heart Umami
- Paleo Orange Chicken @ The Clean Eating Couple
Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe:
Paleo Chinese Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Coating:
- 1/3 cup cassava flour
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast cut into bite size pieces
- 3 tablespoons whipped egg whites
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda this tenderizes the chicken
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin or white wine, omit for Whole30
- 1 tablespoon honey OR a few drops stevia OR for Whole30 use 2 tablespoons apple or pineapple puree or juice
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the coating ingredients and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until fluffy, and mix in the soda and water. Stir in the chicken pieces, and set aside.
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Mix together the sauce ingredients, set aside.
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Preheat a heavy bottomed large skillet over medium heat ( I love my cast iron for crisping foods!)
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Prepare you assembly line next to you preheated pan: first the chicken, followed by the coating mixture.
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Once your pan is preheated, add 2 tablespoons coconut oil, swirling to coat pan evenly.
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Grab several pieces of chicken then press into the coating, placing coated pieces into the hot pan. Do not overcrowd the chicken or it will not crisp properly, work in batches if necessary.
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Let the first side brown, then using tongs, flip the chicken pieces over to crisp the other side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Once the chicken is crisped and cooked through, pour the sauce into the hot pan, stirring to release any bits. Let it simmer about a minute to reduce, then stir your chicken back into the sauce, coating evenly.
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Enjoy!!
Recipe Notes
nutritional info calculated using honey
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I love the breading option on this! Making recipes like this is the best way I have for getting me kids to eat all the veggies!!
Sesame chicken is a definite favorite of mine and I am loving this version!
This looks as good as it sounds – we are always trying to lighten and healthy-up takeout meals. Great idea 🙂
I would love to try this sesame chicken recipe! I am going to take the great idea from your photos – serving this with a bowl of salad, instead of rice.
Dang this Sesame Chicken recipe looks so good! I’ve been struggling to find some tasty new whole30 chicken recipes and your recipe fits the bill.
I love finding delicious new Whole 30 recipes that are delicious, and fill a craving- such as a craving for Chinese take out! This looks even better!
I love asian food so this is definitely going on my menu this week – yum!
this looks so good! I would eat it with a bowl full of that slaw. Thanks for sharing.
This looks SO delicious! Thanks for the great recipe plus all the ways to serve it!
My family loves sesame chicken! I can not wait to try your healthier recipe using pineapple juice!
Yum this looks delish, and that crispy chicken has my mouth watering!
Kari – Get Inspired Everyday! recently posted…Top 10 Tips for an Awesome Trip to Iceland
I love this! The chicken is so crisp and delicious! 🙂
STACEY CRAWFORD recently posted…Keto Lemon Skillet Cake
Yum! My kids are huge fans of Chinese foods, so I know they are going to love this. Love that it’s GF!
Those chicken pieces look SO crispy and tender! This looks amazing.
Looks delicious!! I am very eager to this this egg white coating trick!
I love how simple the sauce is!
What not to love about this chicken?! It looks incredible and I bet it tastses even better!
Ooo the coating looks absolutely amazing! YUM! I will put this on my dinner menu!
Renee D Kohley recently posted…Healthy Salty and Sweet Trail Mix :: No added sugar!
Looks amazing — can’t wait to try!!
Wow, Tessa, SO yummy!! I love that coating you use for the chicken. The whole dish is beautiful! My family will love this.
This looks so delicious! I love healthified versions of take-out food. 🙂
Raia Todd recently posted…White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
I looovvveee sesame chicken but haven’t had it for years. I’m looking forward to trying this healthy version!
This looks like an amazing meal. I haven’t tried coating chicken with cassava flour but will now!