This easy marinated Asian grilled chicken is packed with bold flavors and juicy tenderness. The marinade, made with a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, infuses the chicken with a rich umami taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer grilling, this dish is quick, simple, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: A savory-sweet marinade with hints of garlic, ginger, and sesame.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time with just a few simple ingredients.
- Juicy & Tender: The marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sriracha, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Marination Time: 30 minutes to 8 hours
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including marination)
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Citrus Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh lime or orange juice for a zesty flavor.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Stir-Fry Style: Slice the marinated chicken and cook it in a hot skillet for a quick stir-fry.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze raw marinated chicken in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great with this marinade. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for 4-8 hours.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes! Use a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
What sides go well with Asian grilled chicken?
Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or an Asian slaw.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight and grill it when ready.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
Use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute.
Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Absolutely! Try it with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a delicious twist.
Do I need to bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling?
Letting the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling ensures even cooking.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grates before grilling and avoid flipping the chicken too early.
Can I double the marinade?
Yes! Make extra and use it as a dipping sauce (boil it first for safety).
Conclusion
This easy marinated Asian grilled chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this juicy, savory chicken is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, homemade take on Asian-inspired flavors!
PrintEasy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Asian-inspired grilled chicken is marinated in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce for the perfect balance of flavors. It’s juicy, tender, and packed with umami goodness!
Ingredients
- For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 boneless thighs)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side (for breasts) or 4-5 minutes per side (for thighs), until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies!
Notes
- No grill? Cook in a skillet or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Want extra sauce? Simmer the leftover marinade in a saucepan for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Meal prep tip: Marinate in advance and freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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