Grilled Sesame-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Discover the delightful flavors of these Grilled Sesame-Glazed Chicken Thighs, marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices. Perfect for an everyday meal or a special dinner party, this recipe showcases the tender juiciness of boneless skinless chicken thighs. The marinade infuses the chicken with a sweet-savory taste, while toasting sesame seeds provides a crunchy finishing touch. Serve these delectable thighs alongside a refreshing edamame salad or a light green salad dressed in sesame vinaigrette. For an added treat, pair with brown rice mingled with water chestnuts and scallions to round out the meal. This quick preparation ensures your evening remains stress-free, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
8-10 (trimmed and cleaned)
soy sauce
12 tablespoons (regular or low-sodium)
honey
8 tablespoons (liquid)
sherry wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar
4 tablespoons (choose either)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (toasted if available)
vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (for grilling)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (fresh or dried)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh)
dried cilantro or parsley
1 teaspoon (choose either)
sesame seeds
5 tablespoons (toasted for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sherry wine vinegar (or rice wine vinegar), sesame oil, vegetable oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and dried cilantro (or parsley). Whisk until smooth.
2
Pour half of the marinade into a large zip-top bag and reserve the remaining marinade for glazing later.
3
Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs into the bag with the marinade. Seal the bag and gently massage the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably 8 hours) to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat, ensuring the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
5
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place it on the grill. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken occasionally during grilling for extra flavor.
6
While the chicken is grilling, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat.
7
In the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken thighs lightly with the reserved marinade, flip them once, and then remove the chicken from the grill.
8
Using tongs, carefully dip the tops of the grilled chicken thighs into the toasted sesame seeds, allowing them to adhere lightly. Serve immediately, and enjoy this flavorful, sesame-infused dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this Grilled Sesame-Glazed Chicken recipe?
The main ingredient is 8-10 boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cleaned.
What goes into the marinade for the chicken?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, honey, sherry wine vinegar (or rice wine vinegar), sesame oil, vegetable oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and dried cilantro (or parsley).
Can I substitute sherry wine vinegar?
Yes, you can use rice wine vinegar as a substitute for sherry wine vinegar in this recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken thighs?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 4 hours, though 8 hours is preferred for better flavor penetration.
Do I use all of the marinade for the initial soaking?
No, you should pour half of the marinade into the bag with the chicken and reserve the remaining half for glazing the chicken later.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill or grill pan should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Ensure the grill grates are clean and oiled before placing the chicken on the grill.
How long do the chicken thighs need to cook on the grill?
Grill the thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side until they are cooked through.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How do I prepare the sesame seeds for the garnish?
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant.
When should I apply the reserved marinade as a glaze?
Baste the chicken occasionally during grilling and apply a final brush lightly in the last minute of grilling.
How do I get the sesame seeds to stick to the chicken?
Using tongs, carefully dip the tops of the grilled chicken thighs into the toasted sesame seeds while they are still warm.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or dried ground ginger.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
You can use either regular or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your dietary preference.
Is it okay to use dried parsley instead of cilantro?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either dried cilantro or dried parsley.
What are some recommended side dishes?
Recommended sides include an edamame salad, a green salad with sesame vinaigrette, or brown rice with water chestnuts and scallions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as a meal prep friendly recipe and can be prepared in advance.
How much honey is required?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of liquid honey.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
While the recipe specifies boneless skinless thighs for quick cooking, bone-in could be used if you adjust the grilling time significantly.
What is the purpose of the vegetable oil in the marinade?
A small amount of vegetable oil (2 teaspoons) is included to help with the grilling process and prevent sticking.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the 8-10 chicken thighs, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works well for this recipe.
How much minced garlic do I need?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
What kind of sesame oil should I use?
Toasted sesame oil is recommended if available for a deeper flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
While not in the original ingredients, you could add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for heat.
Does the recipe contain any fiber?
The nutritional information provided indicates null values for fiber, but serving it with brown rice or salad will add fiber to the meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this an Asian-inspired dish?
Yes, the use of soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar gives it an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Should I wash the chicken before marinating?
Food safety guidelines generally recommend against washing chicken; simply trim and clean any excess fat before adding it to the marinade.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, this sesame-honey glaze would also work well with pork chops or salmon.