Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish infused with a delicious blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or meal prep, this recipe is simple to make and pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and savory flavors – The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami.
- Quick and easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Juicy and tender chicken – The marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Great for grilling or stovetop – Can be cooked outdoors or indoors.
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Soy sauce
- Honey or brown sugar
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and Sriracha (if using).
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over it, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (or heat a stovetop grill pan).
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding marinating time)
Variations
- Sweeter Version – Add extra honey or a splash of pineapple juice.
- Spicy Kick – Increase Sriracha or add chili garlic sauce.
- Lemon-Ginger Twist – Swap rice vinegar for fresh lemon juice for a citrusy flavor.
- Oven-Baked Option – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Teriyaki-Style – Thicken the marinade with cornstarch and simmer into a sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Store marinated raw chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts will work, but thighs stay juicier. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but 4-8 hours will give the best flavor.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What sides go well with this dish?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or an Asian-style salad are great options.
Can I use bottled ginger and garlic?
Fresh is best, but bottled or powdered versions can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates and make sure the chicken is at room temperature before grilling.
Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
Yes! Store the marinade in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for later use.
What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken?
Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken at 165°F (75°C).
Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Yes! It works well with shrimp, tofu, pork, or beef.
What’s the best way to get a charred, smoky flavor?
Cook over direct heat on the grill and let the edges caramelize slightly before flipping.
Conclusion
Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delicious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a quick, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This juicy and flavorful grilled chicken is marinated in a savory, slightly sweet Asian-style sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or summer BBQ!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using).
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).
- Preheat grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F or 190–200°C). Lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest & serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Enjoy! Serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- For extra char, brush with leftover marinade in the last 2 minutes of grilling.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.