Why You’ll Love This this Sweet & Tangy Sesame Chicken
This sesame chicken hits that perfect sweet and tangy balance that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance, thanks to the honey and mustard combo that somehow just works.
You get all that amazing flavor with practically zero effort – we’re talking about tossing some ingredients in a bowl, pouring it over chicken, and letting your oven do the heavy lifting while you binge-watch whatever’s calling your name.
The toasted sesame seeds add this gorgeous nutty crunch that makes the whole dish feel fancy, even though it’s basically weeknight dinner magic that takes less time than scrolling through takeout apps.
Ingredients List
This sesame chicken recipe keeps things beautifully simple with just seven pantry-friendly ingredients that probably live in your kitchen right now.
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon green onion, chopped
- 4 chicken breast halves, skin removed
Ingredient Health Notes:
- Removing the chicken skin cuts down on saturated fat while keeping all that protein goodness
- Honey brings natural sweetness without the processed sugar crash, plus it’s got those trace minerals your body loves
- Sesame seeds pack a surprising punch of healthy fats, calcium, and magnesium – who knew something so tiny could be so mighty
- Using chicken broth instead of oil-heavy sauces keeps the sodium reasonable while adding depth without the guilt
Step by Step Directions
This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep and maximum flavor payoff.
- Prep your oven: Preheat to 400°F while you gather your ingredients.
- Toast the sesame seeds: If using raw seeds, toast them in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, shaking the pan frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Transfer toasted sesame seeds to a mixing bowl and stir in honey, chicken broth, mustard, lemon juice, and chopped green onions until well combined. For easier mixing of thick sauces and marinades, consider using a professional stand mixer with its powerful motor and large capacity bowl.
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breast halves in a baking pan, making sure they’re arranged in a single layer.
- Coat and bake: Pour the sesame mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, then bake for 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep all those flavorful juices locked in.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sesame seed alternatives: Crushed almonds or chopped peanuts work in a pinch, giving you that nutty crunch without the sesame flavor.
- Green onion substitutes: Regular yellow onion works but use less since it’s stronger. Chives bring a gentler onion note, or try thinly sliced leeks for something a bit more sophisticated.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce mixture turns this mild-mannered chicken into something with a little attitude.
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
This sesame chicken plays well with others, making it perfect for those nights when you want everything to look like you actually planned the meal.
- Rice is your best friend here – jasmine rice soaks up that honey-mustard sauce like a dream, while brown rice adds a nutty backdrop that complements the sesame seeds perfectly.
- Roasted vegetables bring color and crunch to the plate; try broccoli, carrots, or snap peas tossed with a little olive oil and salt, then roasted until they get those lovely caramelized edges.
- A simple green salad cuts through the richness beautifully – just mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, nothing fancy, because sometimes lettuce is the hero we didn’t know we needed.
- Steamed asparagus or green beans keep things elegant and add that satisfying crunch factor, plus they look all fancy lined up next to the golden chicken.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls for when you want to embrace the comfort food atmosphere completely, because to be frank, bread makes everything better.
- Asian-inspired sides like sesame noodles or stir-fried bok choy can turn this into a themed dinner that feels intentional rather than “whatever was in the fridge.”
Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)
- Check your chicken at the 20-minute mark rather than waiting the full 30, especially if your breasts are on the smaller side, because overcooked chicken has the texture of regret.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking – I know you’re hungry, but slicing into it immediately just lets all those lovely juices run away like they’re late for an appointment.
- Save some sauce before it touches the raw chicken, then drizzle it over the finished dish for that glossy, restaurant-worthy look that makes you feel like a total culinary genius.
Nutritional Facts
This sesame chicken recipe delivers lean protein with a flavorful twist that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.
- Calories: Approximately 220 per serving (serves 4)
- Protein: 35g – excellent source for muscle maintenance and satiety
- Carbohydrates: 8g – primarily from honey and minimal added sugars
- Fat: 5g – mostly from heart-healthy sesame seeds
- Fiber: 1g – contributed by sesame seeds and green onions
- Sodium: 380mg – moderate level, mainly from mustard and chicken broth
- Sugar: 6g – naturally occurring from honey
- Calcium: 60mg – boosted by those tiny but mighty sesame seeds
- Iron: 1.2mg – supports healthy blood oxygen transport
- Vitamin C: 8mg – from fresh lemon juice for immune support
Fun “Did You Know?”
While sesame seeds might seem like a simple garnish, they’re actually one of the oldest oilseed crops known to humanity, cultivated for over 3,000 years!
I find it fascinating that these tiny seeds pack more calcium per ounce than most cheeses.
Ancient Babylonians believed sesame seeds granted immortality, and they’re still considered symbols of good luck in many cultures.
Here’s something surprising: sesame plants can survive in drought conditions where other crops fail.
When you toast them for this recipe, you’re releasing oils that’ve been prized since ancient civilizations – talk about cooking with history!
