Sesame-Lime Marinade
A vibrant sesame-lime marinade infuses chicken with fresh citrus and toasted sesame flavors, perfect for grilled or broiled dishes that suit casual dinners and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl or plastic bag, combine lime peel, lime juice, vegetable oil, sesame oil, and salt.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or longer if desired, turning occasionally.
- Remove chicken from the marinade.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade.
- In a small bowl, combine the reserved marinade, honey, and sesame seed.
- Grill or broil the chicken, basting with the honey-sesame mixture several times while cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, try adding minced garlic or ginger to the marinade. If you don't have sesame oil, olive oil can work as a substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Additionally, this marinade is great for other proteins like tofu or shrimp, giving you versatile options for your meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, such as Red Cabbage With Diced Apples, for a vibrant meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa, making it a great option for meal prep. For added flavor, drizzle with a little extra lime juice before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side or microwave it until warmed through, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame-Lime Marinade contains roughly 159 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this marinade for other types of meat?
Absolutely! This sesame-lime marinade works well with pork, beef, or even fish. Just adjust the marinating time based on the type of meat; for example, fish may only need 30 minutes to 1 hour.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 4 hours, but for best results, aim for 6 to 12 hours. Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the meat too much.
Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply add the chicken and follow the marinating instructions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).