Transform Roasted Chicken Into a Mediterranean Showstopper

A flavorful tahini marinade give new life to boring old roasted chicken. Fresh herbs and sesame seeds take things over the top. Served with a green salad, it’s the perfect weeknight meal. 

Tahini Chicken Recipe

Yield: 4 servings
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

1/2 cup tahini
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons honey
Juice of 3 lemons
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup water
4 Chicken Breasts
1 onion, sliced
1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped
1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, honey, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk in 1/4 cup water, or slightly more to thin marinade.

Place chicken breasts in marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and place in fridge, 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place 2 tablespoons olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent in color, 4 minutes. Remove chicken breasts from marinade and place in skillet to brown, 2 minutes, on each side. Spoon 1/4 cup of marinade over the chicken and place in oven to roast until done, 15 to 20 minutes.

To serve, top with fresh chopped parsley and mint, and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont