Easy Asian Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe

"This is a simple marinade that works great with all cuts of chicken. I prefer to use boneless skinless thighs; but, use your favorite. It is really best if the chicken can marinade 8 hours, up to over night; especially breasts which are larger. Thighs and drumsticks are great with 4-8 hours of marinating time. I really think, that the outside grill is best for this; but, the grill pan works just as well. As it grills, use some of the extra marinade to brush on your chicken. Simply finish with sesame seeds, fine chopped peanuts, scallions, and ENJOY! Prep does not include marinating time."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Marinade ... Add everything to a small measuring cup and mix to combine. Then pour 2/3 of the marinade into a bowl; or right to a large ziploc bag. I find the ziploc bag the easiest - and no clean up. Add the chicken, and either seal the bag, or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Make sure the chicken is well covered in the marinade. Marinate from 4 hours to over night.

Step 2

Chicken ... Make sure to remove the chicken from the marinade and let it come to room temperature. Throw out any marinade you used for the chicken. Before grilling, season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Grill ... I really think that grilling is the best way to cook these - with that nice char. The outdoor grill is what I use, but an inside grill pan will also work just as good. You want to make sure to get a good char on the first side before flipping. I often have one side of the grill hotter than the other. I use the hot side to get a char; then, transfer to a cooler side, to continue cooking without burning. The last few minutes; brush the remaining marinade on each side of the chicken. Remove the chicken when the temperature reaches 160 degrees. You can use a thermometer ifs you are not sure. Transfer to a plate, top with the sesame seeds, and peanuts; cover with foil, and let it rest. Garnish with scallions right before serving.

Step 4

Serve and ENJOY! ... I love to serve these with sesame or peanut noodles; and, maybe a slaw or a salad. Personally, I love chicken thighs because they are so moist; but, you can really use any cut of chicken - bone in or boneless/and skin on or skinless. Boneless skinless drumsticks are also very good.

Step 5

Note: Even though there are a few ingredients - if using chicken thighs or drumsticks; this dish can be very budget friendly. And many of the ingredients can be used over and over for other Asian inspired dishes.