This Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken is packed with flavor! Tender chicken soaked in a tasty blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic makes for a delicious meal.
You’ll love how quick it is to prepare. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! I often serve it with rice or veggies for a complete dinner that the whole family will love! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe for their quick cooking time. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well and will stay juicy on the grill.
Soy Sauce: This adds the salty, umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. I sometimes use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness to balance the soy sauce. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can work just as well!
Rice Vinegar: This adds acidity to the marinade. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also substitute if rice vinegar is unavailable.
Sesame Oil: The nutty flavor of sesame oil brings depth to the marinade. If you’re running low, a light drizzle of peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil can work in a pinch.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger really enhance the flavor. You can use garlic powder and ground ginger if fresh isn’t available, but fresh is always my favorite for a burst of taste!
How Can You Get the Best Flavor from Your Marinade?
Marinating the chicken is where all the magic happens. It’s essential to give it enough time to soak in the flavors. You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is best for maximum flavor.
- Mix all marinade ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. The balance of flavors makes a difference!
- After seasoning, immerse the chicken in the marinade. If you have a resealable bag, it works wonders to remove excess air and coat the chicken evenly.
- Don’t skip on letting the chicken rest after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken juicy.
How to Make Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- More sliced green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Asian grilled chicken takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 30 minutes for marinating. If you have time for flavor, letting it marinate for up to 4 hours is great! Grilling will take about 15 minutes, making the total time roughly 55 minutes if you marinate it for 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green onions. This mixture will be your flavorful marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the bowl with the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for extra flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, and remember to throw away the marinade—it’s time for fresh cooking!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has those lovely grill marks!
5. Let It Rest:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice the chicken and serve it warm, garnished with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your tasty Asian grilled chicken!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, which can be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Be sure to check that the internal temperature also reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari, which is gluten-free, or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the seasoning a bit, so taste the marinade and adjust other seasonings as needed.
How to Store Leftover Marinated Chicken?
Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you haven’t cooked it yet, it’s best to use it within 2 days to ensure freshness. You can also freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the marinade a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir before adding the chicken. Marinating overnight will enhance the flavors even more!
