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Juicy Grilled Tahini Chicken bursting with bold Middle Eastern flavors! 🧄🍋 An easy, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for summer nights!
Middle Eastern Chicken Recipe
Grilled Tahini Chicken is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something flavorful but fuss-free. The tahini chicken marinade is creamy, tangy, and packed with warm spices – perfect for giving everyday chicken thighs a Middle Eastern twist. I first made this when I was craving takeout but wanted something fresher and homemade. Let me just say, it’s been on repeat ever since.
This Middle Eastern chicken recipe uses a simple mix of pantry ingredients, and the result is juicy, flavorful tahini chicken thighs that taste like they came from a restaurant. Whether you’re grilling outside or using a grill pan indoors, this recipe makes dinner feel a little more special with minimal effort.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The tahini chicken marinade is quick to whisk together and loaded with flavor.
- Great for meal prep – make ahead and grill later.
- Delivers that classic Middle Eastern chicken flavor using ingredients you likely already have.
- Versatile and pairs well with couscous, rice, hummus, or salad.
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- chicken thighs – substitute with boneless chicken breasts, adjust cooking time
- tahini – substitute with almond or peanut butter, flavor will change
- olive oil – use avocado oil or another neutral oil
- lemon juice – swap with lime juice for a different citrus profile
- dried oregano – replace with Italian seasoning or thyme
- ground coriander – omit or substitute with cumin for a different taste
- fresh dill or parsley – garnish with mint or cilantro if preferred
✨ Variations
- Mix tahini with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy Middle Eastern chicken marinade.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to bring some heat.
- Swap lemon for lime and garnish with cilantro for a fresh citrusy spin.
🔥 Tips
- Marinate at least 30 minutes – up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Oil your grill or grill pan to prevent sticking.
- Let the tahini chicken thighs rest a few minutes before slicing to keep them juicy.
❓ FAQs
Yes. Bone-in chicken works well, just increase the grill time and check that it reaches 165°F internally.
Yes. The tahini chicken marinade can be prepped 3-4 days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
Tahini is a key ingredient in the flavor and texture of this Middle Eastern chicken marinade. Almond butter or peanut butter can be used, but the taste will change.
Tahini has a rich, nutty flavor that’s slightly bitter, similar to unsweetened peanut butter. It pairs beautifully with lemon and spices in this Middle Eastern chicken recipe.
Fluffy couscous, lemon rice, warm pita, hummus, or a chopped cucumber-tomato salad all pair wonderfully with these tahini chicken thighs.
Yes. Grilled tahini chicken stores well and can be served cold or reheated, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Chicken and Turkey
Grilled Chicken Marinade
Main Dish
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts
Chicken and Turkey
Grilled Balsamic Chicken
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Grilled Tahini Chicken
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Equipment
- gas grill or grill pan
- zester or microplane or grater
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
- fresh chopped dill or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, water, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, coriander, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Place chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over the chicken and massage to coat evenly.
- Cover or seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until cooked through and grill marks appear. Internal temp should be 165°F.
- Let rest a few minutes, then garnish with dill or parsley and serve.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
Cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.♨️ REHEATING
- Microwave: Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals until the food is warmed through.
- Skillet: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until hot and slightly crisp.
- Oven: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
❄️ FREEZING
Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a brighter, more vibrant taste.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place marinated chicken on the sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end if you want some char.
- Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place marinated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
Slice leftover chicken and add to salads, wraps, pitas, or grain bowls for an easy next-day meal.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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