Sesame Chicken Breasts
Crispy sesame chicken breasts feature toasted sesame seeds and crunchy breading, offering a flavorful, nutty taste perfect for a satisfying main dish suitable for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds in a medium-size non-stick skillet over moderate heat.
- Shake the pan frequently until the seeds are golden brown.
- Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a shallow bowl or pie plate.
- Add bread crumbs to the sesame seeds and mix thoroughly.
- Cover the bread crumb and sesame seed mixture with plastic wrap and set aside for final preparation.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger for an hour before coating them. For a gluten-free option, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs. If you don't have sesame seeds, toasted sunflower seeds can be a great alternative. Make sure to keep an eye on the sesame seeds while toasting to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve sesame chicken breasts with a side of steamed broccoli and jasmine rice for a complete meal. A light soy sauce or teriyaki glaze drizzled on top adds an extra touch of flavor. For a refreshing contrast, consider a cucumber salad on the side. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Rellenos for a varied dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sesame chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Chicken Breasts contains roughly 1913 calories, with 36g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1920mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I make the coating stick better?
To ensure the coating sticks well, dredge the chicken in flour first, then dip it in beaten eggs before coating it with the sesame and bread crumb mixture. This process helps create a better adhesion for the breadcrumbs.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the coating and coat the chicken breasts a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time during meal preparation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).