This Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken is a juicy delight! With a tasty mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, it’s bursting with flavor and super easy to make.
Honestly, the marinade does all the work here. You just let it soak in and then grill—talk about simple! I love serving it with rice and veggies. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. You can use thighs if you prefer a fattier, more flavorful cut. They’re also great grilled!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives their umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, try tamari or coconut aminos as a tasty alternative.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if you want to keep it vegan.
Sesame Oil: This oil brings a delicious nutty flavor. If you’re out of it, try using olive oil but keep in mind it won’t give the same depth of flavor.
Sriracha: For some heat, sriracha is great, but feel free to skip it or use a milder hot sauce if you prefer less spice.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
The key to juicy grilled chicken is marinating it properly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes but aim for a longer time—2 hours to overnight is best. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and keeps it moist during grilling.
- Always discard any leftover marinade after marinating the chicken. It won’t be safe to reuse!
- Grill on medium-high heat to achieve nice grill marks and sear the chicken quickly—this helps keep the juices locked inside.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices for extra tenderness.
Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or other chili sauce (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate (2 hours or overnight is ideal for better flavor). Grilling the chicken will take around 12-15 minutes, so you can have this delicious meal on your table in about an hour or less!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if you like some heat). This combination will give your chicken a wonderful Asian flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Lightly season each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Then, place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours or overnight is even better!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade—it’s not safe to reuse. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken has lovely grill marks.
4. Rest & Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken for maximum tenderness. Slice the chicken and garnish with the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it alongside some steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
This recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken with a slightly sweet and savory glaze, and those pretty grill marks will impress everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will make a richer, juicier dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. Just be careful not to marinate too long, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken texture.
What Should I Serve with This Chicken?
This grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa and your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers. You could also toss it into a salad for a lighter option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. You can add a splash of broth or water while reheating to keep it moist!
