Middle Eastern Garlic Tahini Chicken is a dish that delivers deep, bold flavors with minimal effort. If you love rich, savory meals with a hint of nuttiness and citrus, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. It brings together tender, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, garlicky tahini sauce infused with bright, fresh lemon juice and warm Middle Eastern spices.

This dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, wrap it in warm pita bread, or enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s guaranteed to impress.

The secret to the best Middle Eastern Garlic Tahini Chicken lies in its marinade. The longer you let the chicken soak up the tahini, garlic, and lemon, the richer and more flavorful it becomes. Let’s get started on creating this beautifully spiced and creamy chicken dish!

Table of contents

Why This Recipe Works

This dish balances rich, earthy, and citrusy flavors in a way that keeps every bite exciting. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Flavor-Packed Marinade – The garlic, tahini, and lemon juice work together to create a deeply seasoned, aromatic base for the chicken.
Creamy Yet Light – While the sauce is rich and nutty, the fresh lemon juice keeps it from feeling heavy.
Versatile – You can grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken depending on what works best for you.
Meal Prep Friendly – Marinate the chicken ahead of time, and cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Middle Eastern cooking is all about layering flavors. Here are a few key ingredients that bring this dish to life:

Tahini – This sesame seed paste is the heart of the dish, giving it a nutty, creamy texture without being overpowering.
Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the marinade and sauce with bold, aromatic depth.
Lemon Juice – The acidity cuts through the richness of the tahini, keeping the dish fresh and bright.
Spices – A combination of cumin, paprika, and coriander brings warm, smoky flavors that complement the garlic tahini sauce.

How to Make Middle Eastern Garlic Tahini Chicken

Marinate the Chicken – Mix tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Cook the Chicken – Grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce – Whisk together extra tahini, lemon juice, and a splash of water to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble and Serve – Slice the chicken and drizzle with the tahini sauce. Serve over rice, in a pita, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Ways to Make It Your Own

This dish is easy to customize based on your preferences. Here are some simple variations:

Make It Spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
Use a Different Protein – Swap chicken for lamb, shrimp, or tofu for a delicious twist.
Add Fresh Herbs – Toss in chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint to brighten up the dish.
Try Yogurt-Tahini Sauce – Mix tahini with Greek yogurt for a creamier, slightly tangy sauce.

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What to Serve with Garlic Tahini Chicken

Middle Eastern Garlic Tahini Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options:

Warm Pita Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy tahini sauce.
Golden Turmeric Rice – Fragrant and lightly spiced, this side complements the flavors beautifully.
Cucumber-Tomato Salad – A refreshing, crunchy salad that balances the richness of the dish.
Hummus or Baba Ganoush – Smooth, creamy dips that add another layer of texture and flavor.

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Middle Eastern Garlic Tahini Chicken

This Middle Eastern Garlic Tahini Chicken is marinated in a rich blend of garlic, tahini, and warm spices, then cooked to perfection. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, it can be served with rice, pita, or fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings serving

Equipment

Mixing Bowl For preparing the marinade
Grill or Skillet For cooking the chicken

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best flavor
1/3 cup tahini stirred well before use
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
1 tsp ground cumin adds warm, earthy flavor

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Whisk together additional tahini, lemon juice, and a bit of water to make a creamy sauce.
Slice the cooked chicken and drizzle with the tahini sauce before serving.
Serve with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Notes

For an extra garlicky punch, roast the garlic before adding it to the marinade.
This dish pairs well with yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki.

Keyword garlic tahini chicken, Middle Eastern chicken, tahini marinade

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!