Name: Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), diced into 1″ cubes; 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot); 1 1/2 Tablespoons gluten free tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos); 1-2 Tablespoons Avocado oil; 1/2 cup water; 3 Tablespoons gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos); 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey; 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (or more, to taste); 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger; pinch red pepper flakes (optional); 1 Tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot; 1 Tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

There’s so much to love about Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly): juicy, golden chicken in a sticky, sweet and savory sauce with just enough sesame flavor to transport you straight to your favorite takeout spot, but all from the comfort of your own kitchen! This recipe is lightning fast, made with simple real-food ingredients, and offers the hearty satisfaction you crave—without any gluten or refined sugars. Not only is it a breeze to whip up any night of the week, but it’s versatile, family-friendly, and easily customizable to your preferred level of sweetness or heat.

Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly) recipe plays a starring role—from creating that irresistible glossy sauce to locking in tender, flavorful chicken pieces. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, and together, they help you build crave-worthy flavor with clean, fresh results.

Chicken breast or thighs: You’ll want boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and maximum juiciness.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: Essential for getting a golden crust on the chicken and thickening up the sauce to just the right sticky consistency.
Gluten free tamari, soy sauce, or coconut aminos: Brings that signature savory umami, while keeping things gluten free or paleo as needed.
Avocado oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors; feel free to use your favorite neutral oil.
Pure maple syrup or honey: Adds subtle sweetness so the sauce is perfectly balanced and not overly sugary like takeout.
Rice vinegar: Lends a gentle, tangy brightness that keeps every bite lively and never heavy.
Toasted sesame oil: Delivers that nutty, toasty richness that makes this dish truly special—go as bold as you like.
Fresh garlic and ginger: For vibrant aromatic punch you can taste in every bite.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little warming heat for those who want a kick!
Sesame seeds: For a pretty, classic finishing touch and extra sesame oomph.

How to Make Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly)

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Begin by tossing your cubed chicken pieces with a bit of cornstarch (or arrowroot) and tamari in a bowl. This easy step ensures the chicken gets a beautiful crispy-golden finish when cooked, and the light coating actually helps the sauce cling deliciously later on. Make sure each piece is evenly coated by turning everything over with a fork until there’s no dry powder left.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat up the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, giving each piece a little space (work in batches if you need to!). Let the chicken sizzle undisturbed on the first side to get that caramelized edge, then flip until cooked through and no pink remains inside. When done, set the chicken aside on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, whisk up your sauce ingredients: water, tamari, maple syrup or honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This mixture brings together all those bold takeout-inspired flavors—salty, tangy, sweet, nutty—without any weird additives!

Step 4: Make the Slurry

In a small bowl, stir together a spoonful of cornstarch with an equal amount of water. This simple slurry is what thickens the sauce to that iconic glossy, sticky texture you’re looking for in Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly). Try to get rid of any little lumps for a super smooth finish.

Step 5: Cook the Sauce

Reduce your skillet temperature to medium-low. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce mixture and whisk well. Pour it all into the warm pan and cook, stirring, until the sauce starts to bubble and noticeably thickens. After a few minutes, your whisk should leave visible trails in the sauce—that’s your sign it’s ready for the chicken!

Step 6: Heat Through and Finish

Add the chicken back into the thickened sauce, tossing to coat every piece. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top and let everything heat through for a few minutes. Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly) right away while the sauce is gloriously sticky!

How to Serve Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sesame seeds is classic, but you can amp up the presentation with thinly sliced green onions, a dash of extra red pepper flakes, or even a scatter of chopped fresh cilantro. The garnishes bring added color, crunch, and freshness to each serving.

Side Dishes

This Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly) is perfect over a bowl of fluffy white or brown rice, and just as wonderful paired with cauliflower rice or even a pile of roasted broccoli for a lighter twist. For a casual night, serve with steamed veggies or a crisp Asian slaw for crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

You can scoop the saucy chicken right into lettuce cups for a fun appetizer, or pile it onto a grain bowl with crunchy cucumbers, radishes, and carrots. Try tucking leftovers into a gluten-free wrap, or lay it atop a rainbow salad for lunch the next day—so many ways to love this recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly) leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools (that’s normal!) and the flavors only get better after a night’s rest.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully: just pop portions into freezer-safe containers, letting them cool fully before sealing. You can freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot. Add another drizzle of sesame oil if you want to refresh the flavors and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful and work beautifully in Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly). Feel free to use what you love or have on hand.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

Arrowroot starch is a perfect paleo-friendly alternative that thickens the sauce just as well. Tapioca starch could work in a pinch too!

Is regular soy sauce okay if I’m not gluten free?

Yes, if gluten isn’t a concern, regular soy sauce is a fine swap. For paleo, stick to coconut aminos—they’re slightly sweeter but equally delicious.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You sure can! Mix the sauce ingredients (except the slurry) a day or two ahead and store them in a jar in the fridge. Just whisk in the slurry and cook when ready to serve.

How do I keep the chicken crispy in the sauce?

The chicken will soften slightly when coated in the sauce, which is totally normal. For best texture, add the chicken to the sauce right before serving and don’t let it sit too long in the pan.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a homemade dinner that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing, Healthy Sesame Chicken (Gluten Free + Paleo Friendly) is a total game-changer. It’s easy, loaded with flavor, and so much more wholesome (and fun!) than takeout. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!