Sesame Lime Grilled Chicken

$To make tasty sesame lime grilled chicken, gather these main ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds These items blend well to create a flavorful marinade and juicy chicken. You can add some optional ingredients to make this dish even better: - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat) - Fresh cilantro (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) These extras give your dish a fresh taste and make it look nice! Let’s break down the nutrition for each main ingredient. This helps you know what’s in your meal: - Chicken breasts: High in protein and low in fat. Great for muscle health. - Sesame oil: Contains healthy fats and adds a nutty flavor. - Soy sauce: Provides umami and a bit of sodium. - Honey: Adds sweetness and natural energy. - Lime juice: Rich in vitamin C and aids digestion. - Garlic and ginger: Both boost flavor and have health benefits. - Sesame seeds: Good source of calcium and healthy fats. This dish is not only tasty but also packs a punch of nutrition! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well until it’s all combined. This marinade gives the chicken a rich flavor. Next, place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate for 4 hours. This step helps the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off, then discard the marinade. Place the chicken on the grill. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). You want nice grill marks on each piece. In the last minute of grilling, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken. Close the grill lid to slightly toast the seeds. - Resting and Slicing After cooking, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle. After resting, slice the chicken into strips. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. This adds a bright touch to each bite. To get those perfect grill marks, preheat your grill well. Aim for medium-high heat. Before grilling, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps it sear better. Place the chicken on the grill at a 45-degree angle. After a few minutes, rotate it to get that classic crosshatch pattern. Flip the chicken only once to keep the grill marks sharp. To keep your chicken juicy, use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This is the safe point for chicken. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after grilling. This will help the juices redistribute. If you overcook it, the chicken can become dry. Check the chicken early to avoid this. Sesame lime grilled chicken pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a fresh salad or grilled veggies. Rice or quinoa also complement this dish nicely. For a tangy twist, add lime wedges on the side. You can garnish with fresh cilantro for extra flavor. For a fun option, serve it as wraps with crunchy veggies. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply. Ensure Perfect Grill Marks: To achieve those beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the chicken too much while grilling. Let it sear for the recommended time before flipping. Rest Before Slicing: After grilling, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Customize Your Heat Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, add more for an extra kick! {{image_2}} To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari offers a similar flavor without gluten. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the savory taste. You can swap chicken for tofu or fish. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm varieties. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. For fish, choose salmon or tilapia. Fish cooks faster, so watch it closely on the grill. Both options soak up the marinade well. Grilling vegetables adds color and flavor. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob. Cut them into even pieces to grill evenly. Toss the veggies in the same marinade. This adds a tangy taste that pairs nicely with the chicken. Grilled veggies also make a great side dish. To store leftover sesame lime grilled chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure you seal it well. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, take the chicken out of the fridge. For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just warm it in short bursts, checking often, so it stays juicy. To freeze your sesame lime grilled chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep it safe. You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. However, for the best flavor, let it sit for 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the more the chicken absorbs the tasty sesame and lime flavors. This step is key to having juicy and flavorful chicken. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier and have a richer taste. They also stay tender when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few more minutes to cook. Aim for an internal temp of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Many sides pair nicely with this dish. Here are a few options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa salad - Grilled vegetables - Cucumber salad - Fresh fruit salad These sides balance the dish’s flavors. They add color and texture, making your meal more enjoyable. This blog shared how to make Sesame Lime Grilled Chicken, step by step. You learned about important ingredients, like fresh lime and sesame oil. I also offered tips to get perfect grill marks and avoid overcooking. Variations, like gluten-free options and extra veggies, give you more choices. Lastly, I covered how to store leftovers. Enjoy trying this recipe and make it your own! Simple changes can lead to amazing meals. Happy grilling!$

Sesame Lime Grilled Chicken

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a sesame lime sauce, perfect for summer barbecues.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 1 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
to taste fresh cilantro, for garnish
to serve lime wedges

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the marinade.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
In the last minute of grilling, sprinkle sesame seeds on each piece of chicken and close the grill lid to toast them slightly.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours.

Keyword grilled chicken, lime, marinade, sesame