Lighter Sesame Chicken

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.

MAYA ANGELOU

While everyone in the east coast was battling Sandy yesterday, the biggest storm we had in Oklahoma was the loss of James Harden to the Houston Rockets. On the home front, I have been struggling with adding more iron to my diet. This means trying to incorporate a little meat into my meals. I tend to lean towards the breaded variety for its non-meaty texture, but when growing a child, the fried and sometimes sugar loaded version isn’t really the healthiest choice.  So when a craving for Chinese food hit, I need a lighter version.

Lighter Sesame Chicken

slightly adapted from mathastewart.com

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons agave nectar

3 Tablespoons soy sauce

2 Tablespoons sesame seeds

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 egg whites

¼ cup cornstarch

1 ½ pounds chicken, cut into 2-inch chunks

salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

6 green onions, sliced

Directions:

1. Mix together agave nectar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and garlic powder. Set aside.

2. Combine egg whites and cornstarch in medium bowl. Toss with chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

3. In a large skillet, cook half the chicken in one-tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Set aside and then repeat with remaining chicken and oil.

4. Return chicken to pan. Stir in sauce and green onions.

5. Serve with rice and enjoy!

Sweet, savory chicken is just what the doctor ordered. This dish is packed with mouthwatering flavors.

I love using agave nectar because it is much sweeter than honey, but it has a lower glycemic index, so it is less likely to raise blood sugar or trigger the body’s fat storage mechanisms.

My swollen feet appreciated how quick and easy this meal came together. When looking for healthy, high protein dish, I will be returning to this recipe for sure.

Have you tried swapping honey for agave nectar?