Go Back
For this grilled sesame chicken, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Look for chicken thighs that are plump and firm. Choose organic soy sauce if possible. This adds depth to the flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger give the best taste. When picking sesame oil, look for the toasted type for a rich flavor. Always check the expiration dates on your ingredients. Fresh and high-quality items lead to better meals. You can add your twist to this dish! Try using lime juice for a zesty kick. Adding chili flakes can spice things up. Feel free to swap green onions with chives for a milder taste. You can also use a mix of different seeds like poppy or sunflower for extra crunch. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors! This allows you to make the dish truly your own. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. First, gather your ingredients. You need chicken thighs, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk it well until combined. This mix is your marinade. Add salt and pepper to season. Next, place the chicken thighs in the bowl. Make sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, leave it for 1 to 2 hours. Now, heat your grill to medium-high. This is about 375°F or 190°C. After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Let the excess marinade drip off. Keep the leftover marinade for later. Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Grill them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C. Once they are done, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. While the chicken rests, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. After it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This will thicken the sauce slightly. It adds extra flavor to your chicken. Once the sauce thickens, it’s ready. Slice the grilled chicken and drizzle the sauce on top. Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Your grilled sesame chicken is now ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check the section above. To get those perfect grill marks, start with a hot grill. Heat it to medium-high. Pat the chicken dry before marinating. This helps the grill marks form better. Place the chicken on the grill at a 45-degree angle. Don’t move it right away. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes. Then, rotate it for a crosshatch pattern. Flip the chicken and repeat. Keeping chicken juicy is key. Start with quality chicken thighs. They have more fat, which keeps them moist. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better. If you can, aim for 1-2 hours. This lets the flavors soak in. When grilling, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check; aim for 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute. Marinating time can make a big difference. For quick flavor, 30 minutes works well. If you want deeper flavor, go for 1-2 hours. You can even marinate overnight. Just remember, the longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor. Don’t exceed 24 hours, though. The chicken can become too salty or mushy. For the best result with grilled sesame chicken, follow the full recipe. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of grilled sesame chicken with different marinades. Try a spicy marinade with chili sauce or a sweet one with pineapple juice. You can use teriyaki sauce for a rich taste. Mix soy sauce with orange juice for a citrus twist. Each marinade gives a new taste to your dish. Serve grilled sesame chicken in many fun ways. You can place it over a bed of rice or on a fresh salad. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro makes it brighter. If you like, drizzle extra sauce on top for more flavor. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick. Grilled sesame chicken goes well with many side dishes. Try serving it with steamed broccoli or green beans. You can also add fried rice or quinoa for extra nutrition. A simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing is a refreshing choice too. These sides balance the meal and add color to your plate. For the full recipe, check out the Grilled Sesame Chicken recipe above. Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Leftover grilled chicken stays good for up to four days in the fridge. To reheat grilled chicken, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, place chicken on a plate. Cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Freezing is a great option for grilled chicken too. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The chicken can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best flavor, use the frozen chicken within one month. For the full recipe, check out the details above! If you don’t have sesame oil, consider using olive oil or peanut oil. Both oils add a nice flavor. You can also mix a little toasted sesame seeds into regular oil for a similar taste. This works well in marinades. Remember, each oil brings a different flavor, so choose what you like best. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, breasts cook faster and can dry out. Thighs have more fat, keeping them juicy. If you choose breasts, watch the cooking time closely. Aim for the same internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C. Marinating time remains the same for both cuts. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F or 75°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to settle for a better bite. For the full recipe, follow the easy steps I’ve outlined above. It’s a tasty experience! In this blog post, we covered essential ingredients and tips for grilling chicken. You learned about quality ingredients and how to marinate chicken properly. The grilling steps were simple to follow, ensuring your chicken is juicy and flavorful. We discussed variations, serving ideas, and how to store leftovers for later. Grilled chicken is versatile, and you can customize it to fit your taste. Remember these tips for great results every time. Enjoy your grilling adventures and impress your friends with your skills!

Grilled Sesame Chicken

Elevate your mealtime with this delicious grilled sesame chicken recipe! This easy-to-follow guide features tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, and spices, resulting in a dish that's both tasty and visually appealing. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and serve up some grilled goodness!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 inch ginger, grated

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a marinade. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for deeper flavor.

      Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).

        Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and allow excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the leftover marinade in a small saucepan.

          Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

            While the chicken is grilling, bring the reserved marinade to a gentle boil in the saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened. This will be a sauce to drizzle over the chicken.

              Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

                Slice the grilled chicken and drizzle the thickened marinade sauce over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a platter with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Drizzle extra sauce around the plate for a beautiful effect.