Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sesame-crusted Chicken with Sweet Chilli Glaze


These oven-baked drumsticks are crunchy and delicious, and no doubt healthier than your regular deep-fried chicken. You can use drumsticks (or chicken wings/thighs if you prefer) either with or without skin on, and they both turn out beautiful with a thick golden crust that is especially delicious with a sweet chilli glaze. It uses only four basic ingredients, which is fantastic, and takes only minutes to prepare. The oven does the rest of the work! No deep-frying, no oil-splatters, no greasy countertops and pans to clean up after. You can omit the sesame seeds if you want (not everyone is a fan of sesame seeds, I know) and just use the breadcrumbs, and perhaps throw in some herbs, cheese and all that for some variation. Next time though, I might try using chicken breast fillets and make little nuggets for the kids, which are easier for the little hands to handle.


Baked Sesame-crusted Chicken

Ingredients

1 kg (2 pounds) chicken wings or drumsticks
Salt and pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup fresh or panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup sesame seeds

Optional:
Thai sweet chilli sauce
Cajun seasoning

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200C (390F). Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Wash chicken and pat dry. Rub all over with a little salt.
  3. Place the beaten egg in a shallow dish. On another plate, mix the breadcrumbs with the sesame seeds and some salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, drain off excess, and coat it well with the breadcumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs in firmly so that they stick properly. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.
  5. Arrange the chicken on the baking tray and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, turning halfway while cooking, until chicken is golden brown and cooked. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while hot and crunchy!
Optional:

  1. When the chicken is cooked, brush some sweet chilli sauce all over the chicken and bake again for 2 minutes until caramelized.
  2. For a spicy twist, omit the salt in the breadcrumb mixture and substitute with 1 tbsp cajun seasoning instead, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

15 comments:

Cuisine Paradise said...

Your Sesame-crusted Chicken look soooo good! Every time i am attracted to your mouthwatering covering photo :) Emmm if my kid don't like drumstick can i use mid-joint for this>

The Squishy Monster said...

Your photography is phenomenal and the food looks so drool worthy!! kudos!!

WendyinKK said...

Too bad I don't have Thai chilli sauce.
If not I'll make these tonight rightaway.

Mel said...

This is easy to make baking it in the oven! I don't have to clean up the stove if I were to deep fry it. By the look at it, it must be very tasty and delicious.

Honeybird said...

It looks great, and sounds delicious too! I'm a total fan of sesameseeds, so I won't omit them! And neither would I omit the chilisauce! Definitely gonna make these somewhere this week :)

Unknown said...

That looks amazing! Who knew oven baked chicken can be that crispy. I also like the sesame crust. I know won't be omitting it. Great photo again!

Fern @ To Food With Love said...

@Ellena: Hi! It works with any cut of chicken, just the cooking time will vary.
@Squishymonster: Hey, thanks for your lovely comments!
@Wendy: Try it next time then :)
@Mel: Yeah, with deep-frying, have to wash the oily wok! LOL
@Honeybird: Thanks for visiting. I love sesame seeds too....so fragrant and adds the extra crunch!

A Little Yumminess said...

Totally making this. It will be a super hit. Sesame is a nice touch!

Ola said...

they look delicious and seem to be more dietetic than the deep-fried!

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A Little Yumminess said...

Making today! Excited.

Fern @ To Food With Love said...

@alilttleyum; yay! :)

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

Simply delicious! I like that there are spicy option (for my husband) too! I love sesame and made similar one before. I need to try one with your sweet chili sauce + cajun seasoning!

Mizzsingbabe said...

This look so good.. I think I can convert it to Paleo friendly by using flaxseed meal instead of bread crumb !

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

Oven bake and still crunchy, I love this recipe very much, bookmark bookmark..thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Do you have a recipe for the Thai sweet chili sauce? Also, can I use Tony Chachere's seasoning for the Cajun seasoning?