Easy Sesame Ginger Chicken (bulk prep)
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Easy Sesame Ginger Chicken
(The Bulk Protein I Use All Week)
If there is one thing that makes healthy eating feel easier, it's having a delicious protein already prepped and waiting for you in the fridge.
This Sesame Ginger Chicken is one of my favorite meal prep staples because it works in just about everything—salads, rice bowls, lettuce wraps, stir fries, and even quick snack plates. The flavor is sweet, savory, tangy, and packed with fresh ginger and sesame goodness.
The best part? The marinade doubles as the dressing for my Crunchy Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad. Simply reserve some before marinating the chicken and you've already done half the work for lunch.
Macros
Chicken Breast (per 1 oz cooked)
Calories: 46
Protein: 7.5g
Carbohydrates: 0.5g
Fat: 1.2g
Chicken Thigh (per 1 oz cooked)
Calories: 58
Protein: 6.5g
Carbohydrates: 0.5g
Fat: 3g
Macros include a small amount of marinade and may vary slightly depending on cooking method and exact cut of chicken used.
Why You'll Love It
High protein
Great for meal prep
One marinade becomes two recipes
Family-friendly
Works hot or cold
Perfect for lunches and dinners all week
Ingredients
Marinade + Dressing
¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
6 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
3 tbsp honey
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
2 tsp fresh grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions, finely sliced
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1–2 tsp sriracha (optional)
Protein Options
Choose one:
3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1½ pounds chicken breast + 1½ pounds chicken thighs
Directions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until smooth and combined.
Step 2: Reserve Dressing for Later
Before marinating the chicken, pour 1 cup of the marinade into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate.
You'll use this reserved portion as the dressing for my Crunchy Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad later in the week.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or meal prep container.
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and toss to coat.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2–6 hours.
Step 4: Cook
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chicken Breast
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Chicken Thighs
Bake for 22–28 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 175°F for the most tender texture.
Allow chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Slice & Store
Slice, dice, or shred the chicken and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ways to Use It Throughout the Week
My favorite use for this recipe. Toss the chicken with cabbage slaw, cucumbers, edamame, green onions, toasted ramen noodles, peanuts, and the reserved dressing.
2. Sesame Ginger Rice Bowls
Serve over rice with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, cucumbers, edamame, and avocado.
3. Lettuce Wraps
Pile warm chicken into butter lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots, cucumbers, green onions, and a drizzle of extra dressing.
4. Quick Stir Fry
Throw it into a skillet with frozen stir fry vegetables, rice, and a scrambled egg for a 10-minute dinner.
5. Protein Snack Plate
Pair with fresh fruit, sliced veggies, hummus, and crackers for an easy high-protein lunch.
6. High-Protein Wrap
Roll into a high-fiber tortilla with slaw mix, cucumbers, and sesame dressing.
7. Meal Prep Bento Box
Add chicken, edamame, cucumber slices, rice, and fruit for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Dressing: Up to 1 week in the refrigerator
Haley's Meal Prep Tip
Whenever I make this recipe, I automatically double the efficiency by reserving the dressing before marinating. Then I use the cooked chicken and dressing to make my Crunchy Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad. One prep session gives me lunches, dinners, and protein options for the entire week.
Comments