Grilled Sesame Soy Chicken Thighs

These Grilled Sesame Soy Chicken Thighs are marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, creating a deliciously rich and flavorful dish. The chicken thighs are grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, developing a crispy, caramelized exterior while staying juicy inside. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Serving:

• Steamed rice or quinoa
• Grilled or steamed vegetables (like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil. Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
2. Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

2. Preheat the Arteflame Grill

Fire up your Arteflame grill and allow the flat cooktop to reach medium-high heat. The even heat of the Arteflame grill will sear the chicken beautifully while keeping it juicy inside.

3. Grill the Chicken Thighs

1. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
2. Place the chicken thighs on the hot flat cooktop. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred.
3. If you have extra marinade, you can brush it on the chicken during grilling for more flavor.

4. Serve

1. Once the chicken thighs are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Serve the chicken with steamed rice or quinoa and your choice of grilled or steamed vegetables.

Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a cold beer, green tea, or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio.
• Side: Serve with a fresh cucumber salad or edamame for a complete meal.
• Dessert: Finish with a light dessert like mango sorbet or green tea ice cream.

Tips

• Extra Crispy: For extra crispy chicken, cook the thighs over high heat for the last few minutes, being careful not to burn them.
• Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, following the same marinating and grilling instructions.

Conclusion

These Grilled Sesame Soy Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor. The sesame soy marinade gives the chicken a rich, savory taste, while grilling on the Arteflame adds a perfect char and caramelization. This versatile dish is sure to become a favorite for both quick weeknight meals and weekend gatherings.