Delicious Grilled Sesame Chicken: Your Guide to Flavorful Asian-Inspired Meals
Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly flavorful Grilled Sesame Chicken! Infused with a rich, aromatic Asian-inspired marinade, this dish promises tender, juicy chicken breasts bursting with a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami notes. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or looking for a straightforward, healthy meal, our recipe makes achieving perfectly cooked and irresistible sesame chicken simpler than ever.
This recipe focuses on bringing out the best in boneless, skinless chicken breasts, transforming them from simple poultry into a culinary delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’ll guide you through crafting a sensational marinade, mastering the grill, and even provide alternative cooking methods and serving suggestions to ensure a truly memorable dining experience.
Recipe
Sesame Chicken
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Ingredients
- 4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness if desired
- ½ cup light olive oil, or other mild-flavored oil
- ¼ cup white cooking wine, or dry sherry
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar for a milder tang
- ½ cup soy sauce, low-sodium recommended
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger, or 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground preferred
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 3-4 cloves)
- 4 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, gently pound them to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the marinade better. Place the prepared chicken breasts in a large, non-reactive bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
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Whisk the Marinade: In a separate small bowl, combine the light olive oil, white cooking wine, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, dry mustard, pepper, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the marinade is homogenous.
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Marinate the Chicken: Pour ½ cup of the freshly made marinade into a separate small bowl and set aside; this will be used for basting the chicken later. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken breasts in the large bowl or bag, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop and tenderize the chicken. Discard any leftover marinade that came into contact with the raw chicken.
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Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Carefully remove the chicken from the discarded marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken generously with the reserved fresh marinade. Cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Notes
- This recipe yields a substantial amount of chicken, making it excellent for meal prep! You can save half of the cooked chicken for another meal later in the week by refrigerating it. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- No Grill? No Problem! If you prefer not to grill, you can bake the sesame chicken instead. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with the reserved marinade halfway through baking.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: You can often buy pre-toasted sesame seeds at Asian markets or specialty stores. To toast your own, simply place raw sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful, as they can burn quickly!
- For an extra layer of flavor and aroma, consider using fresh ginger (about 2 tablespoons, grated) instead of ground ginger.
- Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade if you enjoy a little heat.
Nutrition per serving
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Why You’ll Love This Grilled Sesame Chicken Recipe
There’s something undeniably satisfying about grilled chicken, especially when it’s infused with a bold and savory marinade. Our Grilled Sesame Chicken recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a perfect candidate for your regular meal rotation. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a family favorite:
- Unforgettable Flavor: The Asian-inspired marinade is a powerhouse of taste, combining the rich umami of soy sauce with the pungent warmth of ginger and garlic, and the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds. Each bite is a journey through balanced sweet and savory notes.
- Healthy & Lean: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts makes this a lean protein option. Grilling further reduces the need for excessive fats, keeping it light yet incredibly satisfying.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While excellent for a casual backyard barbecue, this sesame chicken is also elegant enough for entertaining. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from simple steamed rice to vibrant stir-fried vegetables.
- Easy to Prepare: The hands-on time for this recipe is surprisingly short. Most of the magic happens during the marinating process, allowing you to prepare ahead and simply grill when you’re ready to eat.
- Great for Meal Prep: With a recipe that yields 16 servings, you’ll have plenty of leftovers for healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully!
The Secret Behind the Marinade: A Flavor Deep Dive
A truly great marinade does more than just flavor the surface of the meat; it tenderizes and moistens it from within. Our Asian-inspired marinade is carefully crafted with ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the signature taste and texture of this grilled sesame chicken.
- Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of many Asian marinades, soy sauce brings a deep umami flavor and essential saltiness. We recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall sodium content, allowing the other flavors to shine without being overly salty.
- Light Olive Oil: Beyond adding a subtle fruity note, the olive oil helps to carry fat-soluble flavors into the chicken, keeping it moist during cooking and preventing it from sticking to the grill.
- White Cooking Wine (or Dry Sherry): This adds a layer of sophisticated flavor and acidity. The alcohol helps to break down muscle fibers in the chicken, contributing to its tenderness. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can use chicken broth or even a little extra white wine vinegar, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- White Wine Vinegar (or Rice Vinegar): Acidity is key for tenderizing meat and brightening flavors. White wine vinegar provides a sharp, clean tang, while rice vinegar offers a slightly sweeter, milder acidity that complements Asian dishes beautifully.
- Ground Ginger (or Freshly Grated): Ginger introduces a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy aroma. Freshly grated ginger will offer a more potent and vibrant flavor, while ground ginger is a convenient pantry staple that still delivers a delightful essence.
- Dry Mustard: This ingredient provides a subtle kick and helps to emulsify the marinade, ensuring all the flavors are evenly distributed. It also adds a complex, earthy undertone.
- Minced Garlic: No Asian-inspired marinade is complete without garlic! Its pungent, savory notes are essential for depth of flavor and aroma.
- Black Pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a touch of warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile. Freshly ground pepper is always recommended for the best taste.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds are critical for both flavor and texture. Toasting them amplifies their nutty, earthy aroma, which is characteristic of sesame chicken. They also add a pleasant visual appeal and slight crunch.
Grilling vs. Baking: Cooking Your Sesame Chicken to Perfection
While this recipe is titled “Grilled Sesame Chicken” for a reason – the smoky char of the grill truly enhances the marinade’s flavors – we understand that grilling isn’t always an option. Don’t worry, you can still achieve fantastic results by baking your chicken!
Mastering the Grill: Tips for Juicy Grilled Chicken
Grilling boneless, skinless chicken breasts can sometimes lead to dry results if not done correctly. Follow these tips for perfectly juicy and flavorful grilled sesame chicken:
- Even Thickness: As mentioned in the recipe, pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial. This ensures every part of the chicken cooks at the same rate, preventing thinner edges from drying out while thicker parts finish cooking.
- Preheat Properly: Always preheat your grill to medium heat (350-400°F or 175-200°C) before placing the chicken on it. A hot grill creates those desirable sear marks and helps prevent sticking.
- Clean and Oil Grates: Ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled. This also helps prevent sticking and ensures a clean release.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the grill. Leaving space between the pieces allows for better air circulation and more even cooking.
- Frequent Turning & Basting: Turn the chicken frequently (every 5-7 minutes) to ensure even cooking and basting with the reserved marinade during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remember to only use the *reserved* fresh marinade, not the one that touched raw chicken.
- Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to know if your chicken is cooked is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; it should register 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean platter, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.
Baking Sesame Chicken: An Oven Alternative
If you don’t have a grill or prefer an indoor method, baking is a fantastic alternative. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare as Directed: Marinate the chicken as described in the recipe.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes. About halfway through, baste the chicken with the reserved fresh marinade.
- Check Doneness: The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for Color (Optional): For a slightly more caramelized finish, you can briefly broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning.
- Rest: Just like with grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This Grilled Sesame Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- Rice: A classic choice! Serve with fluffy white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even fried rice to soak up all the delicious marinade flavors.
- Noodles: A side of lo mein, ramen, or simple rice noodles can turn this into a heartier meal.
- Steamed or Stir-fried Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus (as pictured), snap peas, bell peppers, or a medley of Asian greens make a healthy and colorful accompaniment.
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a lighter, grain-based option, quinoa or couscous provides a great texture contrast and absorbs flavors well.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the chicken.
- Kimchi or Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy and spicy counterpoint to your meal with some fermented or pickled sides.
Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions for an inviting presentation and added flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this sesame chicken recipe is its suitability for meal prepping. Making a large batch means you have delicious, healthy meals ready to go for days!
- Refrigeration: Store cooked and cooled sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions of cooked chicken. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat chicken in the microwave, in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The cooking time might be slightly longer (around 25-35 minutes for grilling/baking), and chicken thighs tend to stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. You could also use chicken wings, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor and tenderness, we recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight (8-12 hours). You can marinate for up to 24 hours, but beyond that, the acidity in the marinade might start to break down the chicken too much, leading to a mushy texture. A minimum of 30 minutes will still impart some flavor if you’re short on time, but longer is definitely better for this sesame chicken recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses regular soy sauce, which contains wheat. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar flavor profile. Ensure all other ingredients you use (like cooking wine) are also certified gluten-free if strict adherence is required.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most accurate way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink in the center.
Ready to Grill?
With this comprehensive guide, you’re all set to create the most incredible Grilled Sesame Chicken right in your own kitchen or backyard. This Asian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing vibrant flavors and a satisfying richness to your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the notes and serving suggestions to make it truly your own. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite of this healthy, flavorful, and easy weeknight dinner!
Happy cooking, and remember to share your creations with us!