Home Kitchen Grilled Sesame Chicken

Who doesn’t love a simple and satisfying recipe?

This sesame grilled chicken recipe is one of my favorites. Not only is it unfussy, but also extremely versatile and has striking flavor. For recipes like this, I always keep tubes of pretreated ginger and garlic (and lemongrass too!) on hand in my fridge. This way I can quickly throw everything together and then let it marinate until it’s ready for the grill. This saves me some time and energy without sacrificing flavor.

Be sure to stay tuned because over the next few days I’ll be sharing a few more recipes that make up one incredibly savory meal.

To Make Grilled Sesame Chicken Set out:

• chicken (boneless and skinless) – Use thin-cut chicken breasts (cutlets) or chicken thighs.
• coconut aminos – Can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten free. (more on coconut aminos below)
• coconut sugar – Or substitute with brown sugar.
• toasted sesame oil – Adds distinct flavor and nuttiness.
• tahini – Lends flavor to the marinade.
• rice vinegar – Aids in tenderizing while adding flavor.
• garlic (grated) – Lends distint punchy flavor.
• ginger (grated) – Lends a pungent, spicy and sweet flavor.
• sambal oelek – A chili garlic paste that lends flavor and some spicy heat.
• toasted sesame seeds – Lends flavor, some texture and visual appeal.
• green onion – Lends fresh oniony flavor.

Make The Marinade:

In a bowl (or liquid measuring cup), measure and add in 1/3 cup coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar), 1-1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon tahini, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon each grated fresh ginger and garlic, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon sambal oelek and the light green parts of 2 green onions. Reserving the dark green parts for serving.

Coconut aminos is a well-seasoned and salty sauce made from the fermented sap of coconut palm and sea salt, yet it does not taste like coconut at all. Its consistency and deeply brown color is similar to soy sauce. It’s also happens to be soy, gluten and wheat-free too. With that said, coconut aminos is a healthy substitute for those with a restrictive diet.

Whisk well to combine.

And set off to the side for a moment.

In a large resealable bag (or bowl) add 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and pour the marinade over top.

Seal or cover tightly and let marinade for 30 minute or overnight. Refrigerate if marinating overnight.

Once preheated grill the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes a side or until the chicken fully cooked. Thicker breasts may take longer.

Once cooked, remove and let rest (under foil) for a few minutes before serving. Doing this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.

• Slice and serve in salads, rice or noodle bowls.
• Tuck into lettuce or a wrap with lettuce, carrots and cucumber.
• Enjoy as is with your regular sides like grilled bok choy or slaws and/or rice!

Enjoy! And if you give this Grilled Sesame Chicken recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!