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.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
🔥 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
Grilled Tahini Chicken
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
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying out. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes or in a 350°F oven 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 OPTIONS
- To cook in the 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.
- To cook in the 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
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
I’m Jamie, a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!
Leave a Reply