Here is the complete recipe for Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, along with some tips and variations to make it even tastier:
**Basic Recipe:**
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 2 tbsp sesame oil
* 2 tbsp sesame seeds
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp ground ginger
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 2 tbsp chopped fresh green onions, for garnish (optional)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic powder, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt. Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with any remaining marinade from the bowl.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
1. **Don't over-marinate:** 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal for marinating. Any longer can make the chicken overly sweet or mushy.
2. **Breading matters:** Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy coating. You can also try using breadcrumbs with a bit of cornstarch or flour for added crunch.
3. **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a teaspoon of grated ginger for extra depth.
4. **Try different nut butters:** Peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter can add a rich, nutty flavor to the marinade.
5. **Glaze it:** After baking, brush the chicken with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an added layer of sweetness.
6. **Add some texture:** Mix in some chopped scallions, bell peppers, or snow peas into the breadcrumb mixture for added crunch.
7. **Change up the breadcrumbs:** Try using crispy rice flakes, crushed crackers, or crushed potato chips for a different texture.
**Ingredient Variations:**
* **Asian-inspired:** Replace honey with hoisin sauce and add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the marinade. Use crispy rice flakes for the coating.
* **Sesame-free:** Omit the sesame oil and sesame seeds, and add a pinch of paprika and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the marinade.
* **Spicy:** Add a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
* **Italian-style:** Replace soy sauce with balsamic vinegar and add a teaspoon of dried oregano to the marinade. Use breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
* **Thailand-inspired:** Replace soy sauce with fish sauce and add a teaspoon of grated lemongrass to the marinade. Use crunchy peanuts for the coating.
**Additional Tips:**
1. **Don't overcrowd:** Make sure to leave some space between each chicken piece to allow for even cooking.
2. **Keep it moist:** Cover the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent drying out.
3. **Garnish wisely:** Add fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or chopped scallions to the dish just before serving to preserve their texture and flavor.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and unique Baked Honey Sesame Chicken dish that suits your taste preferences!
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