Healthy Sesame Chicken

Here is a healthy version of a favorite dish of mine. I have to confess, even after years of eating a cleaner diet, I still walk by the deli counter at the grocery store and catch a smell of the sesame chicken or orange chicken, and feel the temptation drawing me in. I love those smells! Be strong!!

This recipe replicates those smells and flavors, delivering the same urging temptation that I am happy to indulge into with this recipe!

INGREDIENTS -

CHICKEN MARINADE
3-4 chicken breasts, cut into approximately 2” chunks
3 Tbsp coconut aminos
1 egg, whisked
salt to taste
1/2 cup arrowroot flour
Avocado oil, for frying

SESAME SAUCE
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 cup coconut aminos
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 1/2 Tbsp arrowroot starch
salt to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
3 Tbsp real maple syrup (omit for keto)
Rice or coconut rice to serve over
Minced green onion and sesame seeds for garnish.

Assemble the chicken marinade by whisking together the egg, coconut aminos and salt. Place chicken in the marinade and set aside for at least half an hour to absorb the flavors, you can also allow it to sit as long as overnight.

Whisk together the sesame sauce - rice vinegar, coconut aminos, water, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, arrowroot starch, salt, garlic, ginger, and maple syrup.

Heat about a quarter inch of oil in a large non-stick pan to medium heat. I use a cast iron pan (my favorite) and the clean up is easy.

When the oil is heated, dip the marinated chicken into arrowroot flour, thoroughly coating on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. Place the floured chicken into the hot oil and fry on all sides until golden brown and crispy. Chicken is thoroughly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

To the same pot, add the sesame sauce. Whisk sauce in the pan until the edges of the sauce start to bubble, then reduce to a simmer. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, this should take just a couple of minutes.

Once the sauce thickens, remove from heat and add chicken back to the pot and coat thoroughly.