This Easy Asian Marinated Grilled Chicken is a real treat! With a yummy marinade made from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, it’s super flavorful and simple to make.
You’ll love how juicy and tender this chicken turns out! I often serve it with rice and a side of veggies—a perfect meal that makes everyone at the table smile. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can also use thighs for a juicier option or even tofu as a vegetarian alternative!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is my go-to to keep the dish balanced. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos for a similar flavor.
Honey or Brown Sugar: They give a nice sweetness. Maple syrup can be used as a great substitute if you prefer something different.
Sesame Oil: This adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, avocado oil can work, but you’ll miss some of that unique taste.
Fresh Ginger: For the best flavor, use fresh ginger. Ground ginger can be used, but use less—about 1/3 of the amount.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get it just right!
- Marinate! Letting the chicken sit in the marinade helps it absorb flavors and stay moist.
- Preheat the grill: A hot grill is crucial to get perfect grill marks. Aim for medium-high heat.
- Don’t rush: Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Check with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest: After grilling, resting the chicken for about 5 minutes keeps it juicy.
Easy Asian Marinated Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or another 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 to prepare and requires a marinating time of at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 4 hours. Cooking on the grill will take another 15 minutes. So overall, you’re looking at around 30-60 minutes, depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Sriracha if you’d like a little heat. This mixture is where all the flavor comes from!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but 2 to 4 hours is best for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s also a good idea to lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and you see lovely grill marks.
5. Rest and Garnish:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices! You can slice the chicken if you prefer and then garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that extra touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Asian marinated grilled chicken hot with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables or salad on the side. Enjoy this tasty meal with family and friends!
FAQ: Easy Asian Marinated Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for grilling as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Both will give a nice tang to the marinade, ensuring your chicken remains delicious!
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for 2 to 4 hours. Just remember, don’t marinate for more than 24 hours to avoid the chicken becoming mushy!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can absolutely prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator. For grilling, take it out about 15 minutes prior to cooking to let it come to room temperature.
