Grilled Sesame-Lemon Chicken Thighs
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with these juicy, grilled chicken thighs marinated in a zesty sesame-lemon concoction. The boneless, skinless thighs absorb the tangy citrus and nutty sesame notes, while the grilling process caramelizes the marinade for a delectable finish. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner, this mouth-watering dish is elevated further with the crunch of toasted sesame seeds and a garnish of fresh lemon curls, making every bite a delightful experience.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 lb (washed and patted dry)
fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (juiced)
lemon zest
2 teaspoons (freshly zested)
water
1 tablespoon (none)
dark sesame oil
1 1/4 tablespoons (none)
rice vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
hot sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
vegetable oil cooking spray
as needed (for grilling)
toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (toasted)
lemon rind
for garnish (curled)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the chicken thighs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Set them aside while you prepare the marinade.
2
In a large gallon-size zip-lock plastic bag, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, water, dark sesame oil, rice vinegar, hot sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Seal the bag and shake gently to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, seal the bag, and gently massage it to ensure the chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or, for best results, overnight. Turn the bag occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
4
Once marinated, remove the chicken thighs from the bag, reserving the marinade for basting. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the flame and let it simmer for two minutes before setting it aside.
5
Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly coat the grill rack with vegetable oil cooking spray.
6
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and sprinkle each piece generously with toasted sesame seeds.
7
Grill the chicken thighs for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. While grilling, frequently brush the chicken with the simmered marinade for added flavor.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. For an elegant touch, garnish with curls of lemon rind.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
1.7
Carbs
12.7
Protein
0.3
Sugar
100
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of boneless and skinless chicken thighs.
How should the chicken be prepared before marinating?
The chicken thighs should be washed under cold water and patted dry with paper towels.
What are the main components of the marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, water, dark sesame oil, rice vinegar, hot sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder.
What is the minimum recommended marinating time?
The chicken should marinate for at least eight hours, though overnight is best for optimal results.
How should the marinade be managed while the chicken is in the refrigerator?
The zip-lock bag should be turned occasionally to ensure the marinade is redistributed over the chicken.
Is it safe to use the marinade for basting?
Yes, but you must first bring the reserved marinade to a boil and let it simmer for two minutes.
At what heat level should the grill be set?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly coat the grill rack with vegetable oil cooking spray before placing the chicken on it.
When should the sesame seeds be added?
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over each piece of chicken once they are placed on the grill.
How long does it take to grill the chicken thighs?
Grill the chicken for approximately 6 to 7 minutes on each side.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How can I tell if the chicken is cooked without a thermometer?
The chicken is typically ready when the juices run clear.
Should I bast the chicken while it grills?
Yes, frequently brush the chicken with the simmered marinade while grilling for added flavor.
What should be done after the chicken is removed from the grill?
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
How can I garnish this dish?
Garnish the chicken with elegant curls of lemon rind.
How many calories are in this Grilled Sesame-Lemon Chicken dish?
There are 133 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the chicken?
There are 1.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This dish provides 12.7 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe only contains 0.3 grams of sugar.
What is the sodium content of this dish?
The dish contains 100 mg of sodium per serving.
What kind of sesame oil is recommended?
The recipe calls specifically for dark sesame oil.
What type of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Does this recipe include any spicy ingredients?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of hot sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy and healthy main dish.
Can this be served at a barbecue?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as perfect for summer barbecues.
What gives the dish its 'crunch'?
The crunch comes from 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds.
What spices are used in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder.