Sesame chicken is normally a decadent take-out meal, but who says you can’t enjoy a healthier version that still satisfies that craving! You don’t always have to have boring food in order to follow a nutritious diet, and this Healthy Sesame Chicken and veggies recipe will prove exactly that!
A nutritious meal should be full of vegetables and have a healthy amount of protein, fats, and carbs. This recipe has exactly that, and tastes good too!
We all know protein is a necessary part of any diet, but do we know why our bodies need it? Much of our bodies are made of protein, like our muscles, hair, and nails, and we need it in our diets in order for our body to grow and repair itself. This recipe’s protein is chicken breast, which is lean meat that is great for absorbing any flavors added to it!
The bok choy and red cabbage in this recipe are a great source of vitamins and calcium, are anti-inflammatory and stimulate detoxifying enzymes. They also add a tasty crunch to the dish for a variety of textures, and are colorful components, helping you to eat a rainbow of colors!
The sesame seeds are not only great for adding a delicious flavor, but it also contains fiber which is great for a healthy digestive tract. We recommend serving this dish with brown rice, as it contains whole grains, but you can use any rice of choice.
Healthy Sesame Chicken & Veggies Recipe
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 head Bok Choy, cleaned and chopped into small bits
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- Cilantro, to season
- Himalayan pink salt
- Fresh black pepper
Method
- Heat a pan on medium and add sesame seeds. Toast for 2 – 3 minutes, making sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Once fragrant, take off the heat and set aside.
- Heat a wok or large pan over low heat and add the olive oil. Add the ginger and garlic; sauté for 1 – 2 minutes, or until fragrant and softened. Make sure the garlic does not brown or burn.
- Next, season your chicken with salt and pepper, then increase the heat to medium and add the chicken pieces to the pan, cooking for 3 – 5 mins. Don’t move them around too much in order for them to brown. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Once chicken is cooked, turn the heat up to high and add the bok choy and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry using a scooping motion so the ginger, garlic, and oil are evenly distributed.
- Add the chicken stock and stir fry for another 2 minutes uncovered.
- Divide the dish into two servings and sprinkle each serving with cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with brown rice in order to make this a filling meal and get some fibre in, which is great for a healthy digestive tract and a balanced nutritious diet!
- Feel free to add any other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peppers or snap peas!
Remember, eating healthy doesn’t have to look boring!
If you recreate this recipe, be sure to post it on Instagram and tag us @newyorkcitynutrition; we love to see you eating delicious, nutritious foods!
