Gluten free sesame chicken delivers bold flavor, irresistible crunch, and a healthier twist to the classic dish. This dish features tender, golden-brown chicken coated in a sweet-and-savory sesame sauce that’s naturally gluten-free. Packed with protein and made without heavily processed ingredients, it’s perfect for satisfying your Chinese takeout cravings while supporting your wellness goals.

We developed this recipe to maximize flavor and crunch while keeping it light and nutritious. After testing multiple techniques, we found the perfect balance: gluten-free breading for a crispy exterior, a refined sugar-free honey-based sauce, and lots of natural umami from tamari and sesame oil. Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a healthier weeknight dinner option, this dish checks all the boxes.

Why This Gluten Free Sesame Chicken Is Good for You

High in protein: Chicken thighs provide lean protein for muscle repair and energy.
Gluten-free ingredients: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, thanks to tamari and a gluten-free flour blend.
Lower sodium: Uses low-sodium tamari and broth to keep sodium levels in check compared to traditional recipes.
No refined sugar: A touch of honey adds sweetness without relying on processed sugar.
Customizable: Easily adapted for low-carb or keto diets by swapping the honey for a sugar-free syrup.

Wholesome Ingredients for This Gluten Free Sesame Chicken

Every ingredient in this easy gluten free sesame chicken recipe plays an important role in enhancing flavor and nutrition. Here’s a closer look at some of the key players:

Chicken thighs: We opted for boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender even when fried. You can substitute chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option.
Tamari: This gluten-free soy sauce alternative packs all the savory flavor of traditional soy sauce without the gluten. Look for low-sodium tamari to keep the dish light.
Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil is the backbone of the sauce, adding a rich, nutty depth of flavor. It’s also high in healthy fats.
Honey: A natural sweetener that gives the sauce its signature glaze without relying on processed sugars.

For even more nutrition, consider adding steamed broccoli or snap peas as a side—you’ll get bonus fiber and vibrant color.

Gluten Free Sesame Chicken Recipe Details

Servings: 6 people
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients for Gluten Free Sesame Chicken

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless thighs, cut into ¾-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons tamari
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 large garlic cloves, grated
2 quarts neutral vegetable oil for frying
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
Cooked rice, for serving
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
3 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish

How to Make Gluten Free Sesame Chicken

Marinate the chicken: Combine the chicken, kosher salt, tamari, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix to coat and let sit for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Make the sauce: Whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, chicken broth, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer, whisking, until thickened (roughly 2 minutes).
Prepare for frying: In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, gluten-free flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Preheat your frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
Bread and fry the chicken: Coat the marinated chicken pieces evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Gently lower chicken pieces into the oil and fry, stirring occasionally, until golden brown (about 3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
Toss with sauce: Transfer the fried chicken into the saucepan with your prepared sesame sauce. Gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
Assemble and serve: Serve the chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions for a restaurant-quality presentation.

How to Customize This Gluten Free Sesame Chicken for Your Diet

Low carb: Replace honey with a keto-friendly syrup and serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Keto-friendly: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a low-carb breading alternative.
Vegan option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Nut-free: This dish is naturally free of nuts, but double-check tamari labels to ensure they’re nut-safe if cross-contamination is a concern.
Extra protein: Add a side of edamame or sprinkle hemp hearts on top for more protein.

Nutritionist-Approved Tips for Gluten Free Sesame Chicken

For maximum crispiness, don’t overcrowd the frying pot. If needed, work in batches.
To save time, make the sauce up to 4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
If you’re new to frying, invest in a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature—it’s key for uniform results!
Leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F to preserve the chicken’s crunch.
You can skip frying altogether and stir-fry the marinated chicken in a skillet. The texture won’t be as crispy, but it’s a great lighter alternative.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten free sesame chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and fry the chicken just before serving to keep it crispy.

What makes this a healthy sesame chicken without breading option?

You can skip the breading and frying altogether by stir-frying the marinated chicken, making it lower in calories while still flavorful.

What’s the best gluten free flour for frying?

A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works perfectly for this recipe—it mimics traditional flour’s crisp texture.

Can I make this into a crispy sesame chicken gluten free stir-fry?

Absolutely! Skip the breading and sauté the marinated chicken in a skillet along with your favorite veggies for a healthier twist.

How does this compare to homemade sesame chicken gluten free recipes?

Our recipe focuses on bold flavors, crisp texture, and wholesome ingredients, making it the best gluten-free sesame chicken we’ve tried.

We’re confident this gluten free sesame chicken will become a regular part of your meal rotation. What dietary swap will you try first? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!