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Paleo Sesame Chicken

Paleo Sesame Chicken

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Enjoy this Paleo Sesame Chicken, a tasty and healthy twist on a classic Chinese dish. With crispy chicken thighs coated in a rich, sweet, and savory sesame sauce, this recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

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For the Sesame Sauce:

  • 2/3 cup warmed water
  • 5 medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot flour or tapioca
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • Avocado oil or refined coconut oil for frying

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Thinly sliced scallions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the warmed water, medjool dates, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, arrowroot flour, sesame oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk for 2–3 minutes until it boils. Lower the heat and simmer for another 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the tapioca flour with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Drizzle the chicken with sesame oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then toss in the flour mixture until well-coated.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat about half a cup of avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  4. Combine: Gently reheat the sesame sauce and toss with the crispy chicken in a large bowl until well-coated.
  5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve over sautéed cauliflower rice or your favorite vegetables.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with sautéed cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a nutritious addition.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to achieve the best crispiness.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.