Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a quick and flavorful stir-fry at home. It’s one of those meals that feels both effortless and special at the same time. This Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry is packed with vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and a perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce.

Growing up, takeout nights were a treat, and sesame chicken was always a favorite. But let’s be honest—restaurant versions can be heavy and loaded with extra sugar and oil. That’s why I love recreating this dish at home, where I can control the ingredients while still keeping all those bold, crave-worthy flavors. This recipe is great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re simply in the mood for something quick, wholesome, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Healthier Than Takeout: Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and no unnecessary additives.
• Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables or swap in different proteins like shrimp or tofu.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that both kids and adults will love.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

How to Make Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Set it aside so the flavors can meld while you cook the chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is nicely glazed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Helpful Tips

• Prep Everything First: Stir-fry cooking happens fast, so have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking.
• Use High Heat: A hot pan helps to sear the chicken and gives the veggies that delicious crisp-tender texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more.
• Add Extra Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using coconut aminos)

Notes

• Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, or baby bok choy would all work beautifully.
• If you don’t have avocado oil, you can substitute it with olive oil or sesame oil for a stronger flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just cook everything fresh for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with sesame chicken stir-fry?

This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even noodles. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos or tamari, and make sure your broth is gluten-free.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or omitting them altogether.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave.
• Freezer: You can freeze the cooked stir-fry for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry, here are a few more quick and flavorful meals to try:

• Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
• Wholesome Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Perfection
• Unstuffed Peppers

Conclusion

Making Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry at home is a total game-changer. It’s healthier, fresher, and just as satisfying as takeout—if not more! With its tender chicken, crisp veggies, and savory-sweet sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab your wok (or skillet) and give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!

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