Name: Gullah Benne Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Gullah Geechee
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup toasted benne seeds (sesame seeds); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 tbsp olive oil; Lemon wedges for serving

Chicken breasts coated in toasted benne seeds and baked until golden. This Gullah benne crusted chicken recipe is a modern take on a traditional ingredient.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup toasted benne seeds (sesame seeds)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about 1/2 inch). Season with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, combine benne seeds, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Set up a breading station: flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, benne mixture in a third.
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then press into benne mixture, coating both sides.
Place on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Serve with lemon wedges.

💡 Pro Tip: Toasting the benne seeds before coating brings out their nutty flavor. This dish is a great way to use benne seeds beyond cookies.