Lighter Sesame Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 ¾ tsp salt, divided
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 ½ tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large egg whites
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch chunks
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 ½ Tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• Red pepper flakes, for topping (optional)

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and ½ tsp salt. Let mixture come to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let simmer until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is nice and fluffy, about 15-20 minutes. 
• In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil and garlic and stir together.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg whites and cornstarch. Add in cubed chicken ¼ tsp salt, and pepper and toss to completely coat chicken.
• In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook for about 8 minutes, until it’s cooked through and golden.
• Add the sauce and scallions to the skillet and toss to make sure the chicken is coated with the sauce.
• While chicken is cooking, heat a large pot of water and remaining tsp salt until boiling. Add broccoli florets to pot and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain into a colander. 
• Serve chicken and broccoli over rice. Make sure to pour on any sauce left in the pan and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

• Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart