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Oven Baked Sesame Chicken

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!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350

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.