Marinated Tahini Chicken: A Flavorful Mediterranean Delight

Are you looking for a delicious and flavorful dish that takes advantage of the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean? Look no further than this incredible Marinated Tahini Chicken recipe. With its perfect blend of spicy, savory, sweet, and zesty flavors, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re grilling for a summer gathering or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this juicy and succulent chicken will be the star of the show.

This tahini chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that you can enjoy it all year round. The marinade is packed with Mediterranean goodness, including garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, Greek yogurt, and a splash of lemon juice. But what really takes this dish to the next level is the nutty and savory flavor of sesame tahini paste. Trust me, once you try this chicken, you won’t be able to resist its delectable taste.

When it comes to marinating the chicken, remember to keep the marinating time under 24 hours. For chicken, a marinade with acidic ingredients like lemon juice should not exceed 4 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy. However, with this tahini chicken recipe, marinating overnight is perfectly fine and will enhance the flavors even more.

Now that you’ve prepared this mouthwatering tahini chicken, it’s time to complete your meal with some delightful sides. How about adding a fresh Fasolakia or a delectable Spanakopita? You can also choose from a variety of Greek appetizers or enjoy a refreshing Shirazi Salad. The possibilities are endless, and each combination will elevate your dining experience.

As promised, here are some ingredient notes and substitutions to help you customize your tahini chicken recipe. If you prefer a lower overall fat content, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Tahini paste, the star of this dish, is creamy and made from sesame seeds, giving it a nutty and earthy flavor. To balance out the strong taste, olive oil is added to thin out the paste and form the base of the sauce. The marinade also features garlic, shallots, red pepper flakes, parsley, rosemary, lemon juice, zest, and plain Greek yogurt, all of which contribute to the deliciousness of the chicken.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let me guide you through the process of making this delightful tahini chicken:

How to Make Tahini Chicken

1. Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the tahini paste, olive oil, vegetables, seasonings, herbs, and yogurt. Make sure to mix everything well. Set aside ¼ cup of the mixture in another bowl.
2. Prep the Topping: To the ¼ cup of marinade that you separated, add 2 more tablespoons of Greek yogurt and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Marinate the Meat: Place the chicken thighs in a large gallon-size storage bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Massage the bag to coat the meat thoroughly. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours to marinate.
4. Grill the Tahini Chicken: Preheat your grill to 400°F and spray it with cooking spray. Remove the thighs from the marinade, shake off the excess liquid, and grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Dispose of the bagged marinade.
5. Top and Serve: Drizzle the separated, refrigerated marinade over the grilled chicken and serve it with your favorite sides.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this tantalizing tahini chicken. But before you dive in, let’s answer a few common questions:

What is tahini made of? Tahini is a thick, creamy sesame seed paste that resembles peanut butter in texture and consistency. However, it has a more neutral flavor. It’s a versatile ingredient used in various dishes like vegetable dips, sauces, soups, and is a key component in hummus and baba ghanoush.

How long should you marinate tahini chicken? For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least a couple of hours before grilling. In the case of this tahini chicken recipe, 4 hours of marinating time is recommended. While you can marinate it overnight, avoid exceeding 24 hours as the chicken won’t absorb any additional flavor and may deteriorate.

Should you bake chicken thighs before grilling? While some prefer to bake the chicken thighs before grilling to ensure complete cooking, it’s not necessary. By monitoring the internal temperature of the center of the thigh and removing it from the grill when it reaches 165°F, you can achieve perfectly cooked and moist grilled chicken without any pre-cooking.

What is the best cut of chicken for grilling? When it comes to grilling chicken, boneless thighs are an excellent choice. Not only are they incredibly flavorful, but they also remain moist and succulent after grilling, providing a truly enjoyable eating experience.

So, with the tantalizing aroma of this Marinated Tahini Chicken wafting through your kitchen, it’s time to gather your loved ones and indulge in this Mediterranean delight. Remember, the key to this recipe’s success lies in the combination of Mediterranean flavors and that heavenly sesame tahini paste. And if you want to explore more mouthwatering recipes, visit the BDK Restaurant website.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!