Oven-baked chicken schnitzels with sesame

Oven-baked chicken schnitzels with sesame - a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a festive meal. This recipe combines the crunchiness and intense flavor of sesame, bringing a unique twist to the chicken, transforming it into an extraordinary dish. Over the years, schnitzels have become a favorite on tables around the world, and our oven-baked version significantly reduces the amount of oil used while still maintaining a fabulous taste.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast (or 2 large pieces)
- 2 tablespoons of sesame (you can also use white or black sesame for an interesting look)
- 3 free-range eggs (or organic eggs for extra flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons flour (choose a good quality flour for a better result)
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika (smoked paprika can add an interesting smoky note)

Preparation:
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breast into desired pieces, about 1 cm thick, to ensure even baking. Season each slice with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of sweet paprika on both sides. This step is essential to give the chicken a special flavor.

2. Marinating: Cover the chicken slices with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge for 2 hours. This step allows the spices to penetrate the meat, giving it an intense flavor.

3. Preparing the batter: After the chicken has marinated, prepare a batter from the eggs and flour. Beat the 3 eggs in a large bowl, add the flour, and mix well until smooth. The texture should be slightly viscous so that it can stick to the chicken.

4. Preparing the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place parchment paper in a large baking tray and evenly sprinkle sesame seeds.

5. Dipping in the batter: Take each piece of chicken and dip it in the egg and flour batter, ensuring it is completely coated. Then, place the slices on the prepared tray, making sure they do not overlap. Sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds on top of the chicken for extra crunch.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through for even browning. The schnitzels are ready when they turn golden and crispy.

7. Serving: The sesame chicken schnitzels are served hot, alongside a side of golden potatoes or a fresh green salad. You can also add a yogurt and garlic sauce for a refreshing taste.

Suggestions and variations:
- Instead of sweet paprika, you can experiment with herbs like oregano or rosemary to give a different flavor.
- Replace some of the flour with ground oats for a healthier texture.
- You can add various spices to the egg batter, such as garlic powder or grated parmesan, for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
- Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissues.
- Sesame is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, contributing to cardiovascular health.
- This recipe is generally lower in calories compared to fried schnitzels, and baking preserves the nutrients of the food.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can the schnitzels be frozen? Yes, baked schnitzels can be frozen, but it is recommended to reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
- Can I use another type of meat? Of course! This recipe works well with turkey or pork as well.
- What side dishes go best? Besides golden potatoes, you can serve schnitzels with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

In conclusion, these oven-baked chicken schnitzels with sesame are not only a healthy choice but also a delicious one that will surely impress your loved ones. I encourage you to try them and create your own variations! Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process, because food cooked with love is always the best!