Print

Asian Grilled Chicken Recipe

Asian Grilled Chicken Recipe

This Asian Grilled Chicken recipe is a quick and easy meal bursting with vibrant flavors from a marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Juicy, tender, and perfectly charred, it suits busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or salads for a satisfying dinner with bold Asian-inspired tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 pounds; thighs preferred for juiciness)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Chopped cilantro or Thai basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar or lime juice until fully combined. If desired, add red pepper flakes or chili paste for a spicy kick.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
  3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F / 200°C). Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness, until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached and chicken has attractive char marks.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes off the heat. This step locks in the juices, resulting in tender, moist bites. Slice and garnish as desired before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating longer (up to overnight) intensifies flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out chicken.
  • Do not overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking and grill marks.
  • Baste chicken with reserved marinade or oil while grilling to keep it moist.
  • Rest chicken before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian grilled chicken, grilled chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, easy Asian marinade, weeknight chicken, flavorful grilled chicken