This Grilled Asian Chicken is full of tasty flavors! Marinated in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, it’s both juicy and zesty. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
I love how easy it is to make this chicken on the grill. Just a quick marinade and you’re ready to cook up a delicious meal. Serve it with rice, and it’s a hit every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for grilling as they stay moist and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but adjust the grilling time since they may cook faster.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds umami to the marinade. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option or have gluten sensitivities, try using tamari or coconut aminos. They provide a similar flavor without the extra salt.
Sesame Oil: It brings a rich, nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with olive oil, though you might miss that distinct taste. I love mixing roasted sesame oil for an extra kick.
Honey: This is key for a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be great alternatives if you’re avoiding honey.
Sriracha: Adding this gives your chicken a spicy kick! If you want a milder flavor, you can skip it or use sweet chili sauce for a hint of spice without heat.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Perfectly Crispy on the Grill?
Getting crispy skin is all about technique and temperature. Here are some steps to achieve that golden goodness:
- Start with a clean and oiled grill to help with sticking.
- Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill when it’s nice and hot—this helps render the fat and makes it crispy.
- Don’t rush to flip it! Let it cook for 6-7 minutes before turning to get those beautiful grill marks.
- When you flip the chicken, reduce the heat. This allows the meat to cook through without burning the skin.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Rest the chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Enjoy your tasty grilled chicken!
Grilled Asian Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for spice)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (or overnight for even more flavor) and another 15-20 minutes for grilling. So, set aside a bit of time for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha (if using). Add the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For extra flavor, marinating overnight is best!
2. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your grill. Heat it to medium-high temperature. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking. This will help your chicken grill perfectly!
3. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Let any excess marinade drip off, then place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and you see nice grill marks.
4. Flip and Continue Cooking:
Next, carefully flip the chicken thighs over. Lower the heat to medium and keep grilling for another 6-7 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer is super handy for this!
5. Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicy and tender.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, serve your grilled chicken hot. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and a nice look. Enjoy your delicious grilled Asian chicken with rice or a fresh side salad!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time will be slightly less. Grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
No worries! You can substitute sesame oil with olive oil or canola oil for marinating. While the flavor will be different, it will still be delicious. Just add a sesame seed garnish to bring back that nutty flavor!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. Just be cautious not to exceed this time, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken, making it tough if marinated too long.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold in a salad or reheat it gently in the microwave or on the grill to maintain its flavor and moisture.
