Tahini chicken became one of those go-to meals in my kitchen that felt luxurious but didn’t take forever to make. There’s something magical about how nutty tahini melts into a silky sauce, clings to tender chicken, and fills the room with an aroma that’s warm, toasty, and slightly sweet from the honey-soy combo.
It’s a comfort dish that doesn’t weigh you down—perfect if you’re eating mindfully or trying to cut processed carbs. The best part? It’s loaded with healthy fats from tahini and high-quality protein, making it a great option for muscle recovery or weight-conscious meals.
When I first made this, I served it with a fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad and a cold glass of Kompot—the kind of combo that instantly made a weeknight dinner feel restaurant-worthy.
I used to struggle with tahini separating or turning grainy, until I realized the trick: stir it into warm stock slowly. It transforms into this velvet-rich sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
It’s no surprise this recipe has been climbing in popularity, especially with more people searching for simple, protein-rich meals with Mediterranean flair. With tahini sales growing by over 15% globally, it’s clearly more than just a hummus ingredient now.
Let me know if you give this a try or if you add your own twist—I’d love to hear it!
Why This Tahini Chicken is a Weeknight Winner?
Discovering this recipe was a total game-changer for my busy weeknights. Here’s why it quickly earned a permanent spot in my rotation—and why it just might become your favorite too:
- Light Yet Comforting: The tahini-based sauce is incredibly creamy and flavorful without feeling heavy. It’s the kind of comfort food you can enjoy without any post-meal guilt.
- Quick & Satisfying: It fits seamlessly into a busy schedule. From pan to plate in under 30 minutes, and it keeps me full without extra snacking.
- Easy to Customize: Some nights I toss in a pinch of chili flakes or a hit of lime zest. This recipe welcomes creativity without ever compromising on taste.
- Great for Low-Carb Goals: When I’m watching my carbs, this dish is a lifesaver. The healthy fats and lean protein keep cravings in check.
- Crunchy Finishing Touch: Topping it with sesame seeds gives each bite a little pop of texture and toasty flavor—just enough to make it feel special.
Tahini Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large non-stick skillet
- Wooden spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- ¼ cup tahini sesame paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons butter or as needed
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut into cubes, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or as needed
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or as desired
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together water, chicken bouillon, tahini, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Lightly flour the chicken pieces to help them brown nicely.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
- Pour the tahini mixture into the pan and stir well.
- Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and cook for another minute.
- Serve hot with Cucumber Tomato Salad or chilled Kompot on the side.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 424kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Sodium | 1619mg |
Creative Variations To Try With Tahini Chicken!
- Charred Veggie Upgrade:
Try tossing in some roasted cauliflower or charred broccolini toward the end. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy tahini sauce and adds texture without overpowering the dish. - Tahini-Yogurt Fusion:
Blend a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the tahini sauce for a silkier texture and a slightly tangy twist. It mellows the richness and gives it a subtle Mediterranean lift. - Middle Eastern Spice Boost:
Add a pinch of sumac or za’atar into the sauce or sprinkle on top before serving. These bold spices bring out earthy and citrusy undertones that elevate the whole dish. - Nutty Texture Play:
Swap out sesame seeds with crushed pistachios or lightly toasted pine nuts for an added layer of crunch and richness. It’s a small touch, but it really makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy. - Soba or Rice Noodle Base:
Serve the chicken over warm soba noodles or even cold rice noodles with some fresh herbs. It transforms the dish into a satisfying noodle bowl with minimal effort. - Grilled Skewer Version:
Marinate the chicken cubes in a thicker tahini mixture and skewer them for grilling. The slight char gives it a whole new depth, making it perfect for summer cookouts or sharing plates.
