Tessa the Domestic Diva

Wholesome, Allergy-Friendly Living

You are here: Home / Main Dish / Sesame Chicken – Paleo | Whole30

Sesame Chicken – Paleo | Whole30

By 21 Comments

Print Recipe Jump to Recipe

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?!

pinterest ready two images of a square white bowl filled with crispy sesame coated chicken bites on top of a bed of cabbage slaw with red bell peppers and green chopsticks

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!

vertical image of a sqaure white bowl filled with cabbaje slaw, fresh red pper, and crispy sesame coated chicken bites with green chopsticks atop a worn steel cookie sheet

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

horizontal image of crispy sesame coated chicken pieces atop a bed of cabbage slaw and red peppers with a garnish of cilantro

More Paleo Asian Dinners to Try:

Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe:

square white bowl from overhead on light blue wooden board filled with cruncy fried chicken peices with a a bright cabbage slaw and green chopsticks
5 from 19 votes
Print

Paleo Chinese Sesame Chicken

With tender pieces of crispy chicken and a sweet sauce coating the whole dish, this quick and easy meal will become a family favorite in no time!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 314 kcal
Author Tessa

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

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the coating ingredients and set aside.

  2. 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.

  3. Mix together the sauce ingredients, set aside.

  4. Preheat a heavy bottomed large skillet over medium heat ( I love my cast iron for crisping foods!)

  5. Prepare you assembly line next to you preheated pan: first the chicken, followed by the coating mixture.

  6. Once your pan is preheated, add 2 tablespoons coconut oil, swirling to coat pan evenly.

  7. 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.

  8. Let the first side brown, then using tongs, flip the chicken pieces over to crisp the other side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  9. 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.
  10. Enjoy!!

Recipe Notes

nutritional info calculated using honey

Nutrition Facts
Paleo Chinese Sesame Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 314 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 107mg 36%
Sodium 1574mg 66%
Potassium 336mg 10%
Total Carbohydrates 19g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 5g
Protein 25g 50%
Vitamin A 2.5%
Vitamin C 0.6%
Calcium 14.7%
Iron 19.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

 

Any of the links in my posts may be affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might make a commission. Your support is much appreciated and pays for the cost of running this free resource!

Leave a Reply

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

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments


  2. 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.

    Reply


  4. 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!

    Reply


  20. I looovvveee sesame chicken but haven’t had it for years. I’m looking forward to trying this healthy version!

    Reply
Best Blog Tech - Site and Search Optimization Website Supported by BestBlogTech.com
shares