Discover the bold and irresistible flavors of Yogurt Sesame Chicken, a dish that combines succulent, oven-baked chicken thighs with a creamy yogurt marinade infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and warm spices like cumin and paprika. The marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also creates a rich, savory glaze when paired with a touch of honey and lemon juice. A golden crust of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch, while the quick sear followed by oven roasting ensures juicy perfection. Ready in under an hour with just 15 minutes of prep, this protein-packed recipe is as versatile as it is delicious—pair it with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad for a satisfying meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a flavorful twist on weeknight chicken, Yogurt Sesame Chicken is a must-try for lovers of bold spices and wholesome ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (allowing excess marinade to drip off) and sear them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the chicken thighs.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve hot with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
Calories |
1475 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.0 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.4 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 451 mg | 150% | |
| Sodium | 4034 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.3 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.5 g | ||
| Protein | 125.3 g | 251% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 588 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 2033 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.