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; Thinly sliced scallions

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 34 reviews

If you’re hunting for a dinner that’s both comforting and super clean, you’ve got to try my Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe. It’s a juicy, crispy chicken delight glazed with a luscious sesame sauce that hits all the right sweet and savory notes — but without any of the gluten or soy. Honestly, every time I make this, my family devours it before I even finish plating! Stick around and I’ll walk you through every little detail so your kitchen smells amazing and you nail this one without a hiccup.

🖤

Why This Recipe Works

Clean Ingredients: Uses wholesome paleo-friendly staples like coconut aminos and arrowroot for a healthy twist.
Perfect Texture: Crispy fried chicken coated in a slightly sticky, rich sesame sauce that’s totally crave-worthy.
Flavor Balance: Date-sweetened sauce adds a natural caramel-like depth without refined sugar.
Simple Prep: Little hands-on time with lots of flavor payoff—ideal for weeknights or casual weekend dinner.

Paleo Sesame Chicken, healthy paleo chicken, gluten-free sesame chicken, clean eating sesame chicken, paleo-friendly dinner - 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

Every ingredient here plays a role in keeping the dish paleo-friendly and bursting with flavor. I always look for good quality medjool dates and coconut aminos because they make all the difference. The arrowroot powder helps get that crispy crust on the chicken just right!

Paleo Sesame Chicken, healthy paleo chicken, gluten-free sesame chicken, clean eating sesame chicken, paleo-friendly dinner - 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: These naturally sweeten the sauce and help create a rich, caramelized flavor.
Coconut aminos: A paleo alternative to soy sauce that gives a salty, umami punch.
Arrowroot or tapioca flour: Perfect for coating the chicken to get a crisp, golden crust without gluten.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma both in the sauce and in the chicken marinade.
Chicken thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breasts for frying, making them ideal here.
Garlic powder and red pepper flakes: Bring a subtle heat that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a tangy kick.
Eggs: Help the arrowroot powder stick to the chicken for that crust.
Avocado or refined coconut oil: These oils have a high smoke point, so the chicken fries up crispy without burning.
Sesame seeds and scallions: Classic garnishes that add crunch and color.

📝

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.

Make It Your Way

I love keeping this recipe flexible depending on what I have on hand or the mood of the day. You can turn up the heat, swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner cuts, or even skip frying for a baked version if you’re short on time. Don’t be afraid to make it yours!

Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes if you like your chicken with a little fiery punch — I do it every time when I’m craving something bold.
Oven-Baked Version: If you want to lighten it up, bake the coated chicken pieces at 425°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying, flipping halfway through.
Veggie Boost: Toss in thinly sliced bell peppers or broccoli to the sauce near the end for extra crunch and nutrition.
Serve Over Salad: Try it on a bed of greens with avocado slices for a fresh take.

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Luscious Sesame Sauce

Grab your high-speed blender and toss in everything for the sauce except the red pepper flakes—this way, you keep the heat adjustable. Blend it until super smooth, scraping down the sides so you don’t miss any date chunks. Then, pour it into a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, sprinkle in the pepper flakes, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. You’re aiming for a sauce that’s thick like warm caramel—rich and sticky, but pourable.

Step 2: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Next, toss your diced chicken thighs with sesame oil and garlic powder—that little step adds a subtle background flavor I don’t skip. Set up two shallow bowls: one for the whisked eggs and one for the arrowroot starch with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken piece first in the egg, then dredge it in the arrowroot mixture, shaking off any excess. This coating forms that crispy shell we all love!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about half a cup of avocado or refined coconut oil in a large non-stick skillet until it’s nice and hot but not smoking. Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for about 3 minutes each, turning occasionally to brown evenly. They should come out golden, crispy, and deliciously fragrant. Transfer to paper towels to drain—trust me, this step keeps them crispy.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Warm up the sauce gently one more time and toss your crispy chicken right in so it gets coated evenly. I like to finish it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for that fresh crunch and pop of color. Serve over some sautéed cauliflower rice or your favorite greens to keep it paleo-friendly and irresistibly tasty.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Get the Oil Temperature Right: Too hot and the coating burns; too cool and the chicken soaks up oil. I test by frying one piece first and adjusting heat accordingly.
Don’t Skip the Drain: Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels to keep it crispy, otherwise it gets soggy when sauced.
Blend Thoroughly: The sauce thickness depends on how well you blend the dates—don’t rush this step to avoid clumps.
Adjust Spice to Taste: Start with less red pepper flakes and add more as you simmer—you can always add heat but can’t take it away!

How to Serve Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe

Paleo Sesame Chicken, healthy paleo chicken, gluten-free sesame chicken, clean eating sesame chicken, paleo-friendly dinner - 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’m all about those simple finishing touches that make a big difference. I always scatter toasted sesame seeds and fresh, thinly sliced scallions over the top—it’s a little crunch and a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes I also add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle of chopped cilantro when I’m feeling a bit adventurous.

Side Dishes

Sautéed cauliflower rice is my go-to paleo side for this dish, soaking up the sauce without overpowering anything. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also pair beautifully, especially if you want to add color and texture. If you’re not strictly paleo, a simple jasmine rice or even noodles made from sweet potato can be lovely, too.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress, I plate the chicken over a vibrant bed of spiralized zucchini noodles tossed lightly in garlic oil. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top feels extra special for a dinner party. And don’t forget those little ramekins of extra sauce on the side—they always make people happy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To help with the crispiness loss, I separate the chicken from the sauce when storing, then combine them again when reheating.

Freezing

This paleo sesame chicken freezes beautifully. Just cool the fried chicken completely before freezing in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Sauce can be frozen separately in small containers. They’ll keep fresh for around 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a hot oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to revive that crisp crust, then gently warm the sauce separately on the stove before tossing them together. This keeps that just-fried texture and flavor intact better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and tend to crisp up better with this cooking method, chicken breasts will work too. Just be mindful not to overcook them as they dry out faster. Adjust frying time accordingly—usually a little less than thighs.
Is this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe suitable for Whole30?

Yes, it is! All ingredients comply with Whole30 guidelines—no added sugars, soy, or dairy. Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce keeps it Whole30-friendly while still delivering that savory depth.
How can I make this recipe less spicy?

If you want to dial down the heat, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes from the sauce. You can always sprinkle a pinch later for those who want more kick at the table.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it for this recipe?

Definitely! Baking is a great option if you prefer to skip frying. Bake at 425°F on a parchment-lined sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating crisps up and the chicken is cooked through.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about this Paleo Sesame Chicken Recipe—crispy, juicy chicken paired with a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. It’s become a staple in my kitchen for busy weeknights and weekend dinners alike. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do—give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes, too!