Flavorful Tahini Chicken Skewers
These tahini chicken skewers feature juicy, tender chicken marinated and grilled to perfection, then drizzled with a rich and nutty tahini sauce. It's an easy and flavorful meal perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- Skewers
- Grill
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup tahini for the marinade
- 1/4 cup lemon juice for the marinade
- 2 large garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tsp salt for the chicken
- 2 small zucchinis, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt for the vegetables
- 1 tbsp tahini for the sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for the sauce
- 3 tsp water
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prep and Assemble the Skewers
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of tahini, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and the grated garlic until smooth. Place your bite-sized chicken pieces into a large bowl, pour the marinade over them, and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but no more than 3 hours.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken and gently pat the pieces mostly dry with paper towels. Season the chicken on all sides with 1 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, toss the cut zucchini and red bell pepper with the olive oil and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt until evenly coated.
- Begin threading the skewers. Alternate between a piece of marinated chicken and a piece of seasoned vegetable, leaving a tiny bit of space between them for even cooking.
Grill to Perfection
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Carefully place the skewers on the hot grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender with grill marks.
Create the Sauce and Serve
- While the skewers are grilling, make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon of tahini and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with the water until smooth and drizzle-able. Whisk in the 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil.
- Arrange the hot, grilled skewers on a platter. Drizzle them generously with the prepared tahini sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Notes
Food Safety: Never use leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken as a sauce unless you boil it first. Bring it to a full rolling boil for at least 2-3 minutes to make it safe. Marinating Tip: Do not marinate the chicken for more than 3 hours. The acid in the lemon juice can affect the texture of the meat if left for too long. Pro Tip: For even juicier results, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are more forgiving on the grill. Flavor Variations: For an herbal twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of za'atar to the marinade. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Storage: Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 53gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
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