Baked Sesame Chicken

Skip the takeout and savor the homemade goodness of Baked Sesame Chicken—a healthier twist on a Chinese-inspired classic. This recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a crispy panko and sesame seed crust, then baked to golden perfection. Tossed in a rich, flavorful sesame sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and a hint of garlic and ginger, this dish boasts the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy baked version is lighter than frying but just as satisfying. Serve over fluffy rice or alongside steamed veggies for a wholesome meal the whole family will love. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, it’s a must-try recipe for all sesame chicken fans!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups cornstarch
• 1 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 0.25 cups soy sauce (low sodium)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 0.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce slurry)
• 1 teaspoon water (for sauce slurry)
• 1 as needed cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons scallions (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in size.

Step 3

Set up a breading station with three separate shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. In the second bowl, beat the egg. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.

Step 4

Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it evenly with the panko mixture. Place the breaded chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure there is space between each piece.

Step 5

Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to help with browning. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Step 6

While the chicken is baking, prepare the sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Once the chicken is baked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the chicken and gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sesame seeds over the coated chicken for garnish. Optionally, top with chopped scallions.

Step 10

Serve immediately with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	852.3 grams (852.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1764

Total Fat 57.70g	74%
Saturated Fat 10.50g	53%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13.60g
Cholesterol 515mg	172%
Sodium 2805mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 172.70g	63%
Dietary Fiber 5.30g	19%
Total Sugars 64.20g
Protein 134.60g	269%

Vitamin D 57IU	286%
Calcium 242mg	19%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 1549mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.7%

Protein: 30.8%

Carbs: 39.5%