Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly golden, crispy chicken pieces that are simultaneously crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, glazed with a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory sesame sauce. This Oven Baked Sesame Chicken isn't just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Forget greasy takeout and complicated cooking techniques; this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a shallow bowl, place the cornstarch. In a separate bowl, beat the egg thoroughly. Cut the chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Dip each chicken cube first into the beaten egg, then coat completely in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This will create a light, crispy exterior when baked.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows them to crisp up evenly.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey until well combined to create the glaze.
- Drizzle half of the sauce mixture over the chicken pieces, turning them to coat evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, then remove and brush with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F for that perfect crispy exterior.
- Cornstarch Coating Technique: Pat chicken dry before coating to help the cornstarch adhere better and create a crispier texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between chicken pieces on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation and prevent steaming.
- Sauce Layering: Applying sauce in two stages (before and midway through baking) helps build deeper flavor and prevents burning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that chicken reaches 165°F internally to ensure food safety without overcooking.
- Fresh Garnishes: Chop green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.Pro Tip: For extra crispy results, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
