Grilled Sesame Chicken is a delicious and healthy meal that combines tender grilled chicken with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Grilled Sesame Chicken
Why This Grilled Sesame Chicken Is the Best
- Nutty Sesame Flavor: The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the grilled chicken.
- Juicy Chicken: The chicken is grilled to perfection, ensuring it remains juicy and tender.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can serve this dish with a variety of sides, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, Grilled Sesame Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of nutty sesame seeds and tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Marinade and Chicken:
- Chicken breast: A lean protein, perfect for grilling, absorbing all the flavors of the marinade.
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos: Adds a savory umami flavor and saltiness to the marinade.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced, these aromatics enhance the flavor, giving the chicken a bold and zesty taste.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar: Balances the salty and tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Tahini: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture to the marinade.
- Sesame oil: The toasted variety adds a deep, nutty sesame flavor to complement the tahini.
- Rice vinegar: Adds acidity and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness and richness of the marinade.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and extra flavor when sprinkled on the chicken before grilling.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a mild heat, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
To Garnish:
- Sliced green onion: Fresh, crisp, and mildly pungent, green onions add a burst of freshness.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for added crunch and to accentuate the sesame flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Grilled Sesame Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and sesame seeds.
- Don’t Overcook: Grill the chicken just until it is done to ensure it stays moist and tender.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the sesame sauce for at least 15 minutes before grilling for extra flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Top the cooked chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve Grilled Sesame Chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
- With Quinoa: Enjoy it with quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect complement to the sesame chicken.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for a colorful and healthy plate.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Grilled Sesame Chicken. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Nutty, flavorful, and packed with protein, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Grilled Sesame Chicken
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, Grilled Sesame Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of nutty sesame seeds and tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ½ Tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp tahini
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
To garnish:
- Sliced green onion
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Add the chicken to the bowl, making sure it's fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- When ready, either bake or grill the chicken to your preference.
- Once cooked, garnish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds before serving.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts.
Notes
You can store the sesame chicken in the marinade before cooking or store the fully cooked chicken:
Before cooking: Place the chicken and marinade in an airtight container or bag, and refrigerate for up to one day. Cook as directed the next day.After cooking: Once the chicken has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
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Grilled Sesame Chicken