Delicious Oven Fried Sesame Chicken Recipe
Cooking can be a wonderful experience, especially when it’s done right. But let’s face it, not everyone has the skills, time, or patience to cook up a storm in the kitchen. That’s where my recipe for oven-fried sesame chicken comes in.
This dish is perfect for those who are short on time but still crave a delicious and hearty meal. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and tastes amazing. The savory aroma that fills your kitchen with every step of the process will make you salivate from the first moment until you take the first bite.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party for friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress. Trust me when I say that it won’t disappoint even the pickiest eaters. So put down your frying pan, turn on your oven to 400 degrees F and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks, because I am about to introduce you to the ultimate palate pleaser – Oven Fried Sesame Chicken! If you’re a chicken lover, this dish is bound to become your new favorite. But what makes this recipe so special? Let me give you the lowdown.
Firstly, let’s talk about the flavor. The delectable combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and sesame seeds is positively mouth-watering. It’s like a party in your mouth with every bite. Plus, the recipe can also be tweaked to match your preferred level of sweetness or saltiness. Everyone has different taste preferences and this recipe perfectly caters to that.
Secondly, this recipe is oven-fried and not deep-fried! Now you can satisfy your cravings without the guilt of consuming unnecessary fat. You won’t miss out on that satisfying crunch either as it still delivers that crispy texture through oven baking.
Furthermore, another reason why this recipe is fantastic is its versatility. You can serve chicken breast halves or even cut them into strips or nuggets for those little snackers in your life who prefer eating with their hands. You can also try cooking chicken thighs which are a hit with the stir fry enthusiasts out there!
Finally, this baked sesame chicken is also super easy to prepare! It requires minimal ingredients that could be easily found in any kitchen – nothing fancy or out of reach. In just under an hour and minimal effort, you could have a delicious restaurant-worthy dish at home!
So there you have it folks, if you want to impress your family and friends with a finger-licking good chicken recipe that is healthy (or at least healthier than take-out), versatile and easy to make then look no further than Oven Fried Sesame Chicken. You will undoubtedly love it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you’ll need to make this Oven Fried Sesame Chicken recipe:
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Chicken: For this recipe, we will use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in pieces. You can also use chicken thighs or chicken strips if you prefer.
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All-purpose flour: We will use all-purpose flour to coat the chicken before baking.
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Sesame seeds: For the extra crispy and flavorful crust, we will use a generous amount of sesame seeds mixed with flour.
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Soy sauce: The soy sauce adds saltiness and flavor to the chicken. Use low sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
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Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is added to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
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Margarine or olive oil: To add a little bit of fat and flavor, you will need some margarine or olive oil
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Cooking spray: Use it to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.
Optional ingredients for additional flavors:
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Honey sesame sauce: You can make a simple honey sesame sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil.
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Chinese sesame seed stir fry sauce: Alternatively, you can try a Chinese sesame seed stir fry sauce for dipping your chicken nuggets in. It’s usually made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sticky chicken broth.
These are all of the ingredients that you need to make this easy sesame chicken recipe. Don’t worry if some of these ingredients are not available or if you want to add your own twist on them; we provide some substitutions and variations in later sections.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1 – Preheat the oven:
First of all, preheat your oven at 400 degrees F.
Step 2 – Prepare Chicken:
Take chicken breasts, and wash them properly. Now pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces or strips as per your preference.
Make the sesame chicken coating
Step 3 – Create the Flour Mixture:
To make a coating for the chicken, we need to combine all-purpose flour, sesame seeds, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper in a shallow bowl. Mix all ingredients well until they are evenly combined.
Step 4 – Whisk together the sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients to create your sauce:
- low-sodium soy sauce
- sesame oil
- honey
- rice wine vinegar
- ketchup
- brown sugar
Use a whisk to incorporate these ingredients until you have a thick consistency.
Dredge Chicken
Step 5 – Dredging chicken pieces:
Dip each piece of chicken in soy sauce first then toss it into the flour mixture coating each piece completely. Make sure that each piece is fully coated from all sides.
Bake Sesame Chicken
Step 6 – Baking:
To bake sesame chicken, place half tablespoons of margarine or olive oil on top of each chicken piece.
Place the pieces on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to ensure an even crispy crust all over. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway through cooking time till both sides turn golden brown.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
With this recipe, you’ll get tender and juicy oven fried sesame-chicken that would be great for any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! With this oven-fried sesame chicken recipe, there are plenty of ways to switch up the flavors and ingredients.
Firstly, if you want to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can substitute margarine for olive oil. Olive oil is a more heart-healthy oil option that still gives the chicken a great flavor.
If you’re looking for a low-sodium alternative or want to switch up the flavor profile, you can replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari sauce. These options have less sodium and are gluten-free, making it perfect for people with dietary restrictions.
Looking for something sweet? Try adding a glaze to your chicken. Mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil to create a tasty honey sesame sauce. Pour over the chicken before baking or use as a dipping sauce after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
If you’re looking for something different than chicken breasts, try slicing the chicken into strips and coating them in breadcrumbs before baking. This creates homemade baked chicken nuggets that are similar to Chinese-style sesame seed chicken.
Finally, if you enjoy stir fry dishes or looking to add vegetables to your meals, slice up some bell peppers, onions, and broccoli and coat them in the same flour mixture used on the chicken. Bake alongside the chicken for an easy sesame stir-fry dish with crispy vegetables.
These alternatives and variations are just a few ideas to get creative in the kitchen with this recipe. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find your perfect dish!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have baked the perfect crispy sesame chicken, it’s time to savor its delicious taste. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility in serving and pairing.
Serving the baked sesame chicken with jasmine rice or fried rice is a classic option that never goes out of style. The flavors of the sesame seeds and sauce complement the natural sweetness of the rice, offering a pleasant treat for the palate. You can also opt for noodles, soba, udon, or clear Asian-style broth soups, such as miso soup or ramen.
For the vegetable lovers out there, a side salad is an excellent choice. I recommend using mild-tasting greens like iceberg lettuce, spinach or kale mixed with cucumbers and carrots topped with a light vinaigrette made from soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil. This contrasts with the crunchiness of the crispy sesame chicken and provides balance to your dish.
If you want to go an extra mile, a stir-fry can create a wholesome and nutritious option. Mix in some bell peppers, snow peas or broccoli florets into your wok along with any other desired vegetables to create a saucy flavor-packed stir fry. Serve up your hot baked honey sesame chicken and allow your guests to mix both dishes together on their plates for an elevated experience.
To pair this chicken recipe with drinks, you could go for cold beer if you want to keep things casual or white wine if you’re having a more formal dinner party. A glass of unsweetened green tea can also be a refreshing accompaniment enhancing flavor profiles without overwhelming the star component – the chicken itself.
No matter how you decide to serve your oven-fried sesame chicken, I’m sure it will be an instant crowd-pleaser amongst friends and family!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, I know what you’re thinking – what happens if I have leftovers? Well, not to worry, because this oven fried sesame chicken recipe is just as tasty the next day.
If you’re making this for a party and want to get ahead of things, you can make the chicken up to two days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. You can reheat it in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through.
You can also freeze the chicken if you want to save it for a later date. Just make sure to let the chicken cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake it at 400°F until it’s crispy again.
One thing to keep in mind is that freezing and reheating can affect the crispiness of the chicken. It may not be quite as crispy as fresh out of the oven, but it will still be delicious.
If you have any leftovers that are already coated with sauce, try reheating them in a skillet over low heat instead of the oven. This way you’ll avoid burning the sauce while still achieving a crispy texture.
Now go ahead and enjoy your delicious oven fried sesame chicken anytime you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a home chef who has thrown many parties and cooked for countless guests, I’ve learned some helpful tips to ensure your oven-fried sesame chicken comes out perfectly crispy and delicious every time. Here are my top tips for achieving the best results with this recipe:
1. Use a combination of margarine and olive oil: The margarine gives the chicken a rich flavor while the olive oil helps it crisp up.
2. Don’t skip the sesame seeds: The sesame seeds are what give this dish its signature flavor, so be sure to add them in at multiple stages of the recipe – both to the flour mixture and as a coating on the chicken.
3. Spray chicken pieces with cooking spray: This will help them crisp up even more and prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet.
4. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature: Whether you’re baking or oven-frying, preheating your oven to 400°F is crucial for getting crispy chicken that’s cooked evenly throughout.
5. Use low-sodium soy sauce: This will give you great flavor without making the dish too salty.
6. Allow chicken to rest before slicing: Letting your baked sesame chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing will keep all of its juices inside, resulting in juicy tender meat.
7. Use a wire rack on top of a baking sheet: Placing your chicken on top of a wire rack on top of a baking sheet allows air to circulate around the chicken, resulting in an all-around crispier finish.
8. Serve immediately: Serve the baked sesame chicken immediately after cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfect crispy sesame chicken that’s packed with flavor every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this oven-fried sesame chicken recipe is the perfect dish for those who crave the crispy and savory taste of fried chicken without all the oil and hassle. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame seeds creates an irresistible flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, with a variety of substitutions and variations available, including making it low sodium or turning it into sticky chicken or breaded chicken strips, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to suit everyone’s preferences.
So why not try out this delicious chicken recipe today? It’s easy to make, healthier than traditional fried chicken, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering. Don’t forget to pair it with some fresh vegetables or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Trust me; you won’t regret adding this crispy sesame chicken to your recipe collection!
Oven Fried Sesame Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 bone-in chicken breasts, skin removed
- 1/4 cup margarine, melted or 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Combine the sesame seeds, flour and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Dip the chicken in the soy sauce, dredge in the sesame seed mixture.
- Arrange the chicken, bone side down, in a large shallow baking dish.
- Drizzle with the margarine.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until chicken is done.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!