Sesame Ginger Chicken
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Succulent sesame ginger chicken is coated with a blend of sesame and ginger, then baked to perfection. You’ll get savory-sweet, sticky, and umami-rich bites with hints of nuttiness and a zingy kick from the ginger. It’s the ultimate dinner for busy weeknights – with just five minutes of prep time, you’ll have a flavor-packed dinner in the oven!
Biting into this sesame ginger chicken is heaven: it has lots of crispiness on the outside yet is so tender and juicy in the middle. It also has that whole salty yet sweet thing going on that is so common in Asian-style recipes. It’s perfect for when you’re craving take-out but want a lighter, cleaner version. Plus, it takes about the same amount of time to make as ordering food!
It is also so simple to make. With about 5 minutes of prep, you can pop the sesame ginger chicken into your oven and let it cook itself. So easy!
Key ingredients
This sesame ginger chicken uses only a handful of ingredients yet packs a punch of flavor! Here are some notes on the key ingredients:
- Chicken: Use chicken drumsticks or thighs – we like it with the bone and skin on!
- Powdered ginger: You might be wondering about using fresh ginger – that’s fine, it may just take a little bit longer to peel and grate fresh ginger, but if you have the time then feel free to use fresh ginger. If you’re using fresh ginger, add it to the bowl with the sesame oil.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): If you want to add a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper to taste. Or, you could serve with chili sauces on the side, or sprinkle on some chili flakes. If you really like some heat, add a little sambal oelek to the bowl with the sesame oil.
What to serve with sesame ginger chicken
This ginger sesame chicken works as a standalone meal on top of a bed of pineapple fried rice, ginger rice and next to some sauteed bok choy, sesame garlic miso butter mushrooms, or Asian eggplant. This Asian coleslaw makes a great side dish, too!
Storage
- Storage: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’re storing it for longer, put it in the freezer for up to three months and thaw it in the fridge a day before reheating.
Sesame Ginger Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks or thighs
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons powdered ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Minced parsley or cilanto (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken in a medium-sized bowl and toss with the sesame oil. In a small bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle over the chicken and toss to coat.8 chicken drumsticks or thighs, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons powdered ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 cloves garlic, Optional: 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up, and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is brown and crispy and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Serve with a little minced parsley or cilantro over top.Minced parsley or cilanto
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
I have been pretty much making all of your recipes this week! I got in a rut of making the same things every week and your blog has spiced up our menu! These are currently in the oven and smell phenomenal! Making your Lemon Lime Loaf next! Thank you for the inspo!
You totally made my day! Thank you so much!!
Thank you! They are pretty crazy delicious. 🙂
This was really good and super easy to make. I did not have brown sugar so I just mixed the oil with teriyaki sauce. If anyone does with this substitution, add less to no salt.
My husband and I loved it!
Thank you!
What a great idea for the substitution. Thank you for sharing that!
My grandma bought way too much chicken and that was the only meat in tgr freezer. My mom had sesame oil so I googled sesame oil chicken recipe and this popped up. Like many others, I wish I had the seeds for garnish and crunch but it was awesome without it! The chicken legs were very plump and juicy! The temperate and time were perfect! Everybody was happy and there wasn’t a leg left. Only my mom is a baby when it comes to the slightest bit of heat and I did do the optional cayenne pepper. But she still ate a lot of it so I know it was a success. So easy and cheap to make. We will be eating this again. Oh I also added more sesame oil to my legs while I ate them.
Thanks for the feedback, Alexandria. So happy you and your family enjoyed it!