Baked Sesame Chicken Bites
These baked sesame chicken bites are a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup raw sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Guide:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station: In three shallow dishes, add the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then coat it completely in the egg mixture. Finally, press the chicken into the panko mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Place the breaded chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. You can flip the bites halfway through for even browning.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, honey garlic sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Tips:
- For extra crispy chicken, use a light coating of mayonnaise or Dijon mustard on the chicken before dredging it in the flour.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use crushed regular breadcrumbs or cornflakes.
- To make sure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- You can adjust the spiciness of the recipe by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Leftover baked sesame chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.