Name: Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients: 2/3 cup water warmed slightly; 5 medjool dates pitted; 1/4 cup coconut aminos; 3 Tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp arrowroot flour or tapioca; 1 Tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste; 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1″ pieces; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 eggs whisked; Avocado oil or refined coconut oil for frying; 2 Tbsp sesame seeds for garnish; Thinly sliced scallions for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful and wholesome dish that feels indulgent without tipping you off your health goals, you’re going to absolutely love this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe. It hits all the right notes—with crispy chicken, silky-sweet sauce, and just enough kick from the red pepper flakes—to keep your taste buds happy and your plate clean. I can’t wait to share how easy it is to pull this together, plus some tricks I’ve picked up along the way to make sure your chicken turns out perfectly crispy and that sauce? Seriously addictive.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The sauce is perfectly sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, complementing the crispy chicken beautifully.
Crispy Coating Without Gluten: Using tapioca or arrowroot flour keeps the chicken crunchy but paleo-friendly.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these on hand, and the sauce uses natural sweeteners like medjool dates.
Versatile Meal: It’s great served over cauliflower rice or veggies, making it a wholesome family favorite any day of the week.

Paleo Sesame Chicken, healthy sesame chicken, gluten-free sesame chicken, paleo chicken stir-fry, clean eating sesame chicken - A bowl filled with many pieces of fried chicken coated in a shiny, sticky orange-brown sauce forms the main layer. The chicken pieces are crispy with a rough texture, and the sauce gives a glossy look. On top of the chicken, there are many small white sesame seeds sprinkled evenly and bright green chopped scallions scattered around. The bowl is white with a black speckled rim, sitting on a white marbled surface with some green scallions pieces and sesame seeds scattered around it. Nearby, there are two small white bowls, one with green scallions and the other with sesame seeds. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe lies in the thoughtful pairing of ingredients. Each element—from the dates to the coconut aminos—comes together to keep it both healthful and bursting with flavor. When shopping, look for fresh chicken thighs and medjool dates that are plump and soft for the best sauce texture.

Paleo Sesame Chicken, healthy sesame chicken, gluten-free sesame chicken, paleo chicken stir-fry, clean eating sesame chicken - Flat lay of warm water in a small white bowl, five plump medjool dates, a small white bowl of coconut aminos, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl with arrowroot flour, a small white bowl of sesame oil, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, raw boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, a small white bowl filled with tapioca flour mixed with salt and black pepper, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of avocado oil, a small white bowl of sesame seeds, thinly sliced fresh scallions scattered neatly nearby, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Medjool Dates: They provide natural sweetness for the sauce, making it delicious without refined sugars.
Coconut Aminos: This is a fantastic paleo-friendly alternative to soy sauce with a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
Arrowroot or Tapioca Flour: Adds crispiness to the chicken while keeping the coating grain-free.
Sesame Oil: A little bit goes a long way, infusing the dish with that distinctive, toasty aroma.
Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, thighs hold up well during frying and stay tender inside.
Red Pepper Flakes: I like to adjust these to my mood—from just a hint of heat to a bolder kick.
Rice Vinegar: Offers tanginess that balances the sweet and savory in the sauce perfectly.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the sauce or chicken.
Eggs: Help the coating stick to the chicken while keeping it light and crispy.
Avocado or Refined Coconut Oil: Both have high smoke points and neutral flavor, ideal for frying.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe as-is, but one of the best things about it is how easy it is to switch things up to make it your own. Feel free to play with the heat level or toss in different veggies to make it truly your signature dish.

Spicy Kick: Sometimes I double the red pepper flakes for a spicy dinner that wakes up my senses.
Nutty Twist: Toasted sesame seeds are great, but adding a handful of chopped cashews gives it a bit more crunch and richness.
Veggie Boost: Serve it with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even a stir-fry mix to add freshness and color.
Egg-Free Coating: If you want to skip eggs, try dipping the chicken in coconut milk as a binder instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Blend Your Sauce to Perfection

Start by throwing all the sauce ingredients—except the red pepper flakes—into a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides to make sure those dates are completely incorporated. This is key because you don’t want any chewy bits in your silky sesame sauce. Once smooth, pour it into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Then simmer gently, add those red pepper flakes, and watch it thicken to a luscious, caramel-like consistency. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes total. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has that glossy shine.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken Coating

While the sauce is simmering, mix your arrowroot or tapioca flour with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Coat your chopped chicken thighs with a little sesame oil and sprinkle them with garlic powder to add extra flavor under that crispy coating. Then dip each piece in the egg, letting excess drip off before tossing it in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour so your crust won’t get gummy when frying.

Step 3: Fry and Crisp the Chicken

Heat about half a cup of your chosen oil in a large deep non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Test if it’s hot by dropping a small pinch of flour in—the oil should sizzle immediately. Add chicken pieces in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, and fry for about 3 minutes per batch until gorgeously golden and crisp, flipping once or twice to get an even crust. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil while you finish the rest.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Give your sauce a quick reheat if it’s cooled down, then gently toss the crispy chicken in it to coat every piece. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for freshness and that extra crunch. Serve over sautéed cauliflower rice or your favorite veggies—either way, this Paleo Sesame Chicken recipe is ready to enjoy.

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Pro Tips for Making Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip the Resting: Let your fried chicken rest on paper towels to drain excess oil—it keeps it crispy and not greasy.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce gets too thick, whisk in a splash of warm water to get the perfect consistency.
Use Fresh Oil: I always start with fresh oil for frying to avoid any off flavors and to get that perfect golden crust.
Batch Cook Smartly: Don’t overcrowd the pan; it lowers the oil temperature and makes the coating soggy instead of crispy.

How to Serve Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe

Paleo Sesame Chicken, healthy sesame chicken, gluten-free sesame chicken, paleo chicken stir-fry, clean eating sesame chicken - The image shows a white bowl filled with crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a shiny reddish-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are layered closely together, with a sprinkling of white sesame seeds and chopped bright green onions scattered on top, adding vibrant color contrast. A pair of dark wooden chopsticks rests on the edge of the bowl, partially inserted into the chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small bowls of green onion and seasoning blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always go with a big sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions for that fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a few cilantro leaves to brighten it up even more. These simple garnishes elevate the dish and make it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Cauliflower rice is my go-to — it soaks up the sauce nicely and keeps the meal light. You can also serve this with stir-fried veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes make an excellent pairing that complements the sesame flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps to add a refreshing crunch. Sometimes I plate it over spiralized zucchini noodles tossed lightly with garlic and oil for a beautiful, healthy presentation. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the sauce separate initially so the chicken stays crispy, then toss them together again right before reheating.

Freezing

This Paleo Sesame Chicken freezes well, too! I portion out cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I warm the chicken in a hot skillet over medium heat to crisp it back up, then add the sauce at the end to coat everything evenly. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the coating less crispy.

FAQs

Is this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe Whole30 compliant?

Yes! This recipe uses paleo-approved ingredients like coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and natural sweeteners from dates, making it fully compliant with Whole30 rules.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe is already gluten-free since it uses arrowroot or tapioca flour instead of wheat flour for the coating.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when fried. If you use breasts, be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.
How spicy is this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is adjustable—start with a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes and increase if you like more kick. It’s mild enough for most palates but gives a subtle warmth.
What’s the best way to get the coating extra crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan, and shake off excess starch before frying. Also, resting cooked chicken on paper towels helps maintain crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a treat but fits comfortably into your clean eating lifestyle. I’ve made it countless times for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, and even casual get-togethers because it never fails to impress. It’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and comes together faster than you might expect. I’m betting once you try it, you’ll reach for it again and again—so grab your skillet and get cooking, friend!