When it comes to creating a meal that is both quick and full of flavor, Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken is a standout choice. The dish combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with a flavorful, crispy sesame seed crust that gives it the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a savory, nutty flavor with a satisfying texture. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or looking to impress at a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

One of the things that makes this recipe so wonderful is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, including chicken breasts, sesame seeds, and breadcrumbs, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying without a lot of prep time. The sesame seeds not only add texture but also provide a nutritional boost, offering healthy fats and essential nutrients that enhance the dish’s overall profile. Plus, it’s versatile and can be paired with virtually any side—from roasted vegetables to a side salad, rice, or potatoes—making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.

What makes Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken truly special is how versatile it is. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or as a featured dish at a dinner party, it’s sure to impress. The crispy sesame seed crust locks in moisture, keeping the chicken tender on the inside while giving it an irresistible crunch on the outside. And, with minimal ingredients and preparation time, this dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also incredibly easy to prepare.

Why This Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken?

Selling Points:

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, this recipe comes together in a flash.
• Crispy and Crunchy: The sesame seed crust provides a delicious crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Healthy: Sesame seeds add a nutritional boost, offering healthy fats and fiber, making this a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken.
• Versatile: Great for serving as a main dish with rice or vegetables, or as a crispy topping for salads or wraps.

What You Need for Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds (white, black, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

How to Make Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder or onion powder on both sides.
   
2. Coat the Chicken:
   In a shallow dish, combine sesame seeds and breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll the chicken in the sesame seed mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
   
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the crust is golden brown.
   
4. Bake the Chicken:
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes.
   

Tips for the Perfect Sesame Crusted Chicken

• Double the Coating: For extra crunch, coat the chicken in sesame seeds and breadcrumbs twice—first in the egg, then in the sesame seed mixture.
• Use Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds offer a deeper, more intense flavor. You can toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes before using them.
• Try Sweet and Spicy Sauces: Serve the chicken with a honey or teriyaki glaze for an added sweet and savory flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add a Sweet Glaze: Brush the chicken with honey, soy sauce, or sweet chili sauce before serving for an extra flavor boost.
• Swap with Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well in this recipe.

Make a Healthier Version

• Baked Instead of Pan-Fried: Skip the oil in the skillet and bake the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a healthier, lower-fat version.
• Coconut Oil Option: For a slight coconut flavor, use coconut oil instead of olive oil for frying.
  

Closing for Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken

Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken is a delightful, crunchy dish that’s as quick as it is flavorful. Whether you choose to make it on a busy weeknight or for a more elaborate dinner, the crispy sesame coating and tender chicken will be sure to impress. You can customize it to suit your taste, whether you prefer a sweet glaze or a spicier kick. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to get creative with your toppings and sauces!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken

1. Can I make this chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken by coating it with the sesame seeds and breadcrumbs up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate it, and when ready to cook, simply pan-fry and bake as directed.

2. Can I freeze sesame crusted chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked, coated chicken. Lay the chicken breasts on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store them in a freezer bag. To cook, just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I use other seeds instead of sesame seeds?
Yes, you can use other seeds like sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or even poppy seeds. Each will provide a different flavor and texture to the dish.

4. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sesame seed-breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. You could also drizzle some hot sauce or chili oil over the finished chicken for extra heat.

5. Can I cook this in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook the sesame-crusted chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), and cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden and fully cooked through.

6. Can I serve this with a dipping sauce?
Yes, this chicken goes great with a variety of dipping sauces. Try soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor.

7. How can I make the crust even crunchier?
If you want an even crunchier crust, consider doubling the coating process—coat the chicken first in the egg wash, then in the sesame seed mixture. Dip it back into the egg wash and coat it again.

8. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it in the skillet?
Yes! You can bake the coated chicken directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

9. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work just as well as breasts in this recipe. They may need a few extra minutes of cooking time, so make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

10. What should I serve with sesame-crusted chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, jasmine rice, quinoa, or a light salad. You could also serve it with some Asian-style noodles for a complete meal.

. You can customize it to suit your taste, whether you prefer a sweet glaze or a spicier kick. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to get creative with your toppings and sauces!

Easy Sesame Crusted Chicken

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup sesame seeds (white, black, or a mix)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor

• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder or onion powder on both sides.
• Coat the Chicken:
• In a shallow dish, combine sesame seeds and breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll the chicken in the sesame seed mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
• Cook the Chicken:
• Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the crust is golden brown.
• Bake the Chicken:
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Serve and Enjoy:
• Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes.