Sesame-Lemon Chicken Recipe

Name: Sesame-Lemon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed (2 to 2 1/2 pounds); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped (about 8 cups); 1 cucumber, chopped; 1 tomato, chopped; 2 cups lightly salted pita chips, crushed

Servings: persons

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed (2 to 2 1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped (about 8 cups)
1 cucumber, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
2 cups lightly salted pita chips, crushed

1
Preheat the broiler.
2
Make the rub: Combine the sesame seeds, lemon zest, thyme, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a spice grinder; pulse until the seeds are slightly cracked.
3
Season the chicken with salt and all but about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the rub.
4
Set skin-side down on a broiler pan and broil, flipping the chicken and rotating the pan halfway through, until the chicken is golden and a meat thermometer registers 170 degrees F, 8 to 10 minutes per side.
5
Make the dressing: Mix 1 tablespoon of the reserved rub, the lemon juice, vinegar, and salt to taste in a bowl.
6
Whisk in the olive oil.
7
When the chicken is done, whisk 1 tablespoon of the pan drippings into the dressing.
8
Add the lettuce, cucumber, tomato and pita chips; season with salt and pepper and toss.
9
Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon rub and serve with the salad.
10
Photograph by Justin Walker

466

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and more.

Yes, Sesame-Lemon Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Sesame-Lemon Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions