Description

Tender, spiced chicken thighs baked to perfection and served with a creamy, dreamy garlic tahini sauce. An easy, healthy, and wildly flavorful family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Tahini Sauce:
1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup water (plus more as needed)
1/4 cup plain plant-based yogurt alternative
Salt to taste

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and edges are slightly crispy.
While chicken bakes, make the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and yogurt alternative. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if sauce is too thick. Season with salt.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips. Serve warm in pita bread, over rice, or in salad bowls, drizzled generously with garlic tahini sauce.

Notes

For crispier chicken, place the baking sheet under the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs; reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes to prevent drying out.
Leftover chicken and sauce store separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 thighs with sauce)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 480
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 16
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 3
Protein: 38
Cholesterol: 140