Savory Tahini Grilled Chicken Delight
Imagine chicken thighs soaking up the vibrant flavors of lemon, tahini, and garlic. This dish is a celebration of summer, especially when paired with a chili yogurt sauce atop fluffy couscous. A favorite in our house, it's a meal that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 3/4 cup pure ground sesame tahini paste
- 2 shallots minced
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 6 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups dried couscous
- 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt preferably Greek yogurt
- 3/4 tsp chili garlic sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together avocado oil, tahini, minced shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, rosemary, parsley, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and lemon zest to create a marinating blend that's both fragrant and vibrant.
- Submerge the chicken thighs into the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Reserve half a cup for the sauce. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prepare your grill to medium-high heat, then gently remove chicken from the marinade, brushing away excess. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring a wonderful char and the meat reaches 165°F.
- For baking, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until the edges are golden and the internal temperature is 165°F.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a saucepan of water to a boil with butter and salt. Stir in couscous, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork to reveal soft, fluffy grains.
- For the sauce, combine reserved marinade with yogurt and chili garlic sauce, adjusting seasonings to your taste preference. It's a sauce that compliments the grilled chicken with a delightful kick.
- To serve, layer couscous on a plate, nestle in the chicken, and drizzle with sauce. Each bite promises a burst of flavor.
Notes
I love how this chicken captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors of lemon and tahini. It's a dish I've revisited countless times, always with kids gathered around the grill. Feel free to use lime juice for a slight twist.