Chicken, oh chicken! It’s like the blank canvas of the culinary world, soaking up flavors and transforming into something unexpectedly delightful with just a few tweaks. With these baked chicken recipes, we’re diving into a world where healthy meets heavenly – think crispy edges, tender bites, and the kind of comfort that wraps around you like your favorite sweater on a chilly fall evening.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil. Mix the chicken pieces with garlic powder, black pepper, and chile flakes on the baking sheet. Add flour and toss everything together, then coat with olive oil before arranging the chicken on one side and the vegetables on the other. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the honey garlic sauce by mixing tamari (or soy sauce), lemon juice, honey, garlic, chili paste, green onions, and toasted sesame oil in a bowl or jar. Adjust the flavor to your preference.
- After the initial baking, take out the vegetables from the sheet pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir to ensure every piece is coated. Return the chicken to the oven for another 5 minutes to let the sauce set.
- Serve the finished chicken and vegetables garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish is delightful over rice, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Chile flakes (Korean chile flakes recommended)
- Flour or gluten-free flour
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Broccoli florets or chopped asparagus
- Sesame seeds
- Tamari or soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Fresh garlic
- Chili paste (such as gochujang)
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame oil
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, or even a combination of both. Just ensure they are cut into cubes for even cooking.
- What can I use if I don’t have tamari or soy sauce?
- If tamari or soy sauce isn’t available, you can substitute it with coconut aminos or a low-sodium soy sauce alternative for a similar flavor profile.
- Is it necessary to use toasted sesame oil in the sauce?
- Toasted sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can simply omit it. The dish will still taste delicious without it.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour. Additionally, ensure that your tamari or soy sauce is certified gluten-free.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- This dish is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken a few hours in advance to save time. Bake and assemble just before serving for the best results.
Tips
- Ensure Crispy Chicken: For perfectly crispy chicken, lightly coat the cubed chicken with a small amount of flour before baking. This helps the sauce adhere well and adds a satisfying texture without fully breading the chicken.
- Customizable Sauce Flavors: Feel free to experiment with the sauce by using your favorite chili paste, such as gochujang, to add a personal touch and extra flavor to the dish. If you don’t have toasted sesame oil, you can skip it, although it does add a nice depth of flavor.
- Efficient Sheet Pan Cooking: To make the most of your cooking time, arrange the chicken and vegetables on the same sheet pan, but keep them separate. This allows both to cook evenly, with the chicken getting crispy and the vegetables roasting to perfection.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is versatile and can be served over rice for a main course or enjoyed on its own as a tasty appetizer. Topping with toasted sesame seeds and green onions enhances the presentation and flavor.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – A large, rimmed baking sheet suitable for oven use.
- Parchment Paper – For lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Glass Jar or Mixing Bowl – To mix the honey garlic sauce ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring the chicken with the sauce.
- Measuring Spoons – For measuring out ingredients like olive oil, honey, and other sauce components.
