Summer Sesame Ginger Chicken

Fresh, bright, and packed with flavor, this Sesame Ginger Chicken is a recipe you'll want on repeat all summer long. A simple blended marinade does all the heavy lifting, creating tender, savory chicken with a hint of citrus and sesame. Serve it over steamed rice with your favorite seasonal vegetables or slice it over a crisp salad for an easy summer dinner.

PREP: 1 hour | COOK: 15 minutes | Serves 2-4

INGREDIENTS: 

• About 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or your preferred cut of chicken (approximately 6 thighs)

• 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped

• 1 medium tomato, roughly chopped

• 3 garlic cloves

• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Juice of 1 lime, plus lime wedges for garnish

• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon tonkatsu sauce (Optional)

• Sliced scallions for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Add the onion, tomato, garlic, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, sesame seeds, salt, lime juice, and any optional ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.

2. Place the chicken in a large bowl or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for even more flavor.

3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve all of the remaining marinade.

4. Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. (Be sure to fully cook the marinade since it was in contact with raw chicken.)

6. Once the chicken is cooked, either return it to the saucepan to coat in the reduced sauce for a few minutes or serve the sauce alongside for dipping or spooning over the top.

7. Finish with an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds, a lime wedge, and sliced scallions.