Oven Baked Sesame Chicken

There’s something utterly satisfying about enjoying a plate of Oven Baked Sesame Chicken at the end of a long day. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a rainy evening, and I wanted something warm and comforting. As the chicken sizzled in the oven, the aroma of sesame oil and garlic wafted through the air, instantly lifting my spirits. This recipe has become a staple in my household, bringing smiles and full bellies every time it’s served. The combination of crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Oven Baked Sesame Chicken never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Everything You Need for Oven Baked Sesame Chicken

The ingredients for Oven Baked Sesame Chicken are both simple and accessible. They work together harmoniously to create a dish that’s flavorful, satisfying, and truly unforgettable. The key players include juicy chicken, crispy panko breadcrumbs, and the rich flavors of soy sauce and sesame oil. Together, they create a delightful balance of textures and tastes that make this dish a standout.

• 1 and a 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes, these provide a lean protein base that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
• 2 large eggs: Beaten and used as a binding agent, they help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: This creates a light coating for the chicken, helping to achieve that crispy texture.
• 1 and 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add an extra crunch to the chicken, making it irresistible.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the chicken.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Provides depth of flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: This sauce is the star of the dish, adding umami and saltiness.
• 2 and 1/2 tablespoons water: Helps thin out the sauce while mixing ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor that’s essential to the dish.
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar: This sweetens the sauce, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Introduces a tangy flavor that brightens the dish.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth and spice.
• 3 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a bold flavor.
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for a perfect coating.
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds: These add a delightful crunch and enhance the sesame flavor.
• 1/4 cup scallions: Chopped, they provide a fresh garnish that adds color and flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Oven Baked Sesame Chicken

Cooking Oven Baked Sesame Chicken is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these steps for perfectly baked chicken every time. You’ll find that each step brings you closer to that mouthwatering end result!

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for achieving that crispy exterior on the chicken.

2. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top of a large baking sheet and set it aside. The rack ensures even cooking and allows any excess oil to drip away, keeping the chicken crispy.

3. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and set them aside. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.

4. In a shallow medium-sized bowl, combine the eggs with a tablespoon of water. Beat the mixture well and set it aside; this will be the coating for your chicken.

5. Sprinkle the flour out onto a clean plate and set it aside. This will act as the first layer of coating.

6. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk them well to combine; this will give the chicken its delicious crispy coating.

7. Now, take the pieces of chicken and roll them in the flour. Shake off any excess flour, so each piece is just lightly covered.

8. Next, dip each floured piece into the egg mixture. Allow any excess egg to drip off back into the bowl before proceeding.

9. Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s completely covered. Ensure every piece is well coated for maximum crunch!

10. Once all the chicken pieces are coated, place them on the prepared baking rack. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary!

11. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic.

12. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

13. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a teaspoon of water until smooth. Add this mixture into the sauce, cooking until just thickened.

14. Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, take it out of the oven and place it in a large mixing bowl.

15. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

16. Finally, sprinkle with scallions and serve immediately. I love to pair this with steamed broccoli and/or rice for a complete meal!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

By following these pro tips, you can take your Oven Baked Sesame Chicken to the next level. These suggestions will help ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles to complement the flavors.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add some red pepper flakes!
• Garnish: Top with additional sesame seeds or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving Oven Baked Sesame Chicken, there are countless delicious pairings that will elevate your dining experience. Here are some of my favorites:

• Steamed Rice: Serve this chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the tasty sauce.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful stir-fry of fresh vegetables complements the flavors perfectly.
• Asian Noodle Salad: A refreshing noodle salad adds a delightful crunch and contrast to the dish.
• Homemade Spring Rolls: Pair with crispy spring rolls filled with veggies or shrimp for a fun appetizer.
• Quinoa: For a healthy alternative, serve with quinoa for added protein and fiber.
• Casual Gatherings: This dish is great for parties! Serve it with small plates or as part of a buffet.
• Family Dinners: Perfect for Sunday dinners or any family meal that calls for a little comfort.

FAQ

Conclusion

Oven Baked Sesame Chicken is truly a standout dish that harmonizes crispy chicken with a flavorful sesame sauce. It’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to bring this recipe into your kitchen and enjoy the delightful flavors it offers. You won’t regret it!

Oven Baked Sesame Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Oven Baked Sesame Chicken offers a crispy exterior with tender juicy chicken coated in a flavorful sesame sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family. Make it tonight for an unforgettable meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 and a 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour may also use whole wheat flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 and 1/2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup scallions chopped

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Baking Sheet
• Food Processor

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for achieving that crispy exterior on the chicken.
2. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top of a large baking sheet and set it aside. The rack ensures even cooking and allows any excess oil to drip away, keeping the chicken crispy.
3. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and set them aside. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.
4. In a shallow medium-sized bowl, combine the eggs with a tablespoon of water. Beat the mixture well and set it aside; this will be the coating for your chicken.
5. Sprinkle the flour out onto a clean plate and set it aside. This will act as the first layer of coating.
6. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk them well to combine; this will give the chicken its delicious crispy coating.
7. Now, take the pieces of chicken and roll them in the flour. Shake off any excess flour, so each piece is just lightly covered.
8. Next, dip each floured piece into the egg mixture. Allow any excess egg to drip off back into the bowl before proceeding.
9. Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until it's completely covered. Ensure every piece is well coated for maximum crunch!
10. Once all the chicken pieces are coated, place them on the prepared baking rack. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary!
11. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic.
12. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
13. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a teaspoon of water until smooth. Add this mixture into the sauce, cooking until just thickened.
14. Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, take it out of the oven and place it in a large mixing bowl.
15. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
16. Finally, sprinkle with scallions and serve immediately. I love to pair this with steamed broccoli and/or rice for a complete meal!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles to complement the flavors.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add some red pepper flakes!
• Garnish: Top with additional sesame seeds or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.