Sesame-Crisped Chicken
Sesame-crusted chicken features tender meat coated in a sweet and savory marinade, topped with crunchy sesame breadsticks. Perfect for an Asian-inspired dinner with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons orange marmalade ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon honey ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 4 chicken breast halves, skinned
- 6 sesame breadsticks, crushed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, dry sherry, vegetable oil, orange marmalade, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, and hot pepper sauce in a blender or processor and mix well.
- Pour the marinade into a shallow baking dish.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade and turn several times to coat evenly.
- Cover and chill for several hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Drain the chicken, reserving the marinade.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle crushed sesame breadsticks over the chicken and dot with butter.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, basting frequently with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is tender. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bit of crunch, consider substituting the sesame breadsticks with panko breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. If you're looking to reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce. Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to develop more fully, enhancing the overall taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more orange marmalade or honey. For a twist, try adding some grated ginger to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sesame-crisped chicken with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Breast With Honey-Wine Sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors. For an additional side, consider roasted vegetables or a light cucumber salad to complement the dish's sweetness and crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sesame-crisped chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave it on medium power in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame-Crisped Chicken contains roughly 906 calories, with 15g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1955mg per serving (85% 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 other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; thighs may require a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
What can I use if I don't have dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute it with white wine or even apple cider vinegar mixed with a little water. This will maintain the acidity and complexity of flavor that dry sherry provides.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of hot pepper sauce in the marinade or incorporate chopped fresh chilies. Additionally, serving with a spicy dipping sauce can elevate the flavor profile for those who enjoy a kick.
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).