Asian Grilled Chicken is juicy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor from a savory soy-teriyaki marinade. This easy grilling recipe uses tender chicken breast cutlets marinated in garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and green onions for incredible depth. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Asian Grilled Chicken perfectly charred without burning, how long to marinate for maximum flavor, and how to serve it for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts. It’s high-protein, simple, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients for Asian Grilled Chicken
Asian Grilled Chicken uses simple pantry staples, but when combined, they create bold, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. Because this recipe relies heavily on the marinade, quality ingredients truly make a difference.
Here’s everything you need:
8 thin boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 3 ounces each)
For the Marinade:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced
2 green onions, minced
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Scallions, for garnish
Thin chicken cutlets work best for Asian Grilled Chicken because they absorb marinade quickly and cook evenly on the grill. If using thicker breasts, consider slicing them horizontally for faster cooking.
Marinade Breakdown & Flavor Balance
The marinade gives Asian Grilled Chicken its signature depth and balance.
| Ingredient | Flavor Role |
|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | Savory umami base |
| Teriyaki Sauce | Sweet, caramelized depth |
| Ginger & Garlic | Bright, aromatic warmth |
| Sesame Oil | Nutty richness |
Because Asian Grilled Chicken marinates for at least 3 hours, the flavors penetrate deeply. However, marinating overnight produces even better results.
Step-by-Step Asian Grilled Chicken Method
Asian Grilled Chicken comes together easily, but timing and heat control make the difference between juicy and dry chicken. Follow these steps carefully for perfectly charred, flavorful results.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, fresh ginger, minced green onions, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
Whisk everything together until fully blended. The mixture should smell aromatic and slightly sweet with a strong savory base.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken cutlets in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and turn each piece to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. For best flavor, marinate overnight.
Because Asian Grilled Chicken uses thin cutlets, the marinade absorbs quickly and deeply.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-low heat.
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This step ensures the chicken releases easily and develops clean grill marks.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off.
Place the chicken top side down on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until well browned and lightly charred.
Turn the chicken and grill the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning, since the teriyaki and honey can caramelize quickly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Asian Grilled Chicken to a serving platter.
Sprinkle with additional toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions for freshness and texture.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
The result should be juicy, lightly charred Asian Grilled Chicken with bold flavor and beautiful grill marks — just like in your image.
Serving, Variations, and Storing
Asian Grilled Chicken delivers bold flavor and versatility. Because it cooks quickly and pairs with many sides, it works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and summer grilling parties.
Best Ways to Serve Asian Grilled Chicken
Asian Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its savory-sweet flavor.
Serve it with:
• Steamed jasmine rice
• Brown rice or quinoa
• Garlic sautéed green beans
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Cucumber salad
For a lighter option, slice Asian Grilled Chicken and serve it over a fresh salad with sesame dressing. You can also tuck it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal.
If you’re hosting a summer cookout, plate the grilled chicken on a large serving platter and sprinkle extra scallions and sesame seeds on top. The glossy glaze and grill marks make it visually appealing.
Because Asian Grilled Chicken is high in protein and relatively low in fat, it also works well for meal prep lunches.
Variations and Storage Tips
Asian Grilled Chicken adapts easily to different flavor preferences.
• Add chili flakes for heat
• Use pineapple juice in the marinade for sweetness
• Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness
• Use tamari for a gluten-free version
To store, place leftover Asian Grilled Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also slice it cold and add it to salads or wraps.
Freezing works well too. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate Asian Grilled Chicken?
Marinate for at least 3 hours. However, overnight marinating provides the deepest flavor.
Can I bake Asian Grilled Chicken instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to achieve slight caramelization.
How do I prevent the chicken from burning?
Use medium-low heat and watch closely. Because the marinade contains teriyaki and honey, it can caramelize quickly.
Is Asian Grilled Chicken healthy?
Yes. Asian Grilled Chicken provides 42 grams of protein per serving and contains moderate fat, making it a balanced high-protein meal option.
Conclusion
Asian Grilled Chicken brings bold, savory flavor with minimal effort. The soy-teriyaki marinade creates juicy, caramelized chicken that works for quick dinners, meal prep, or summer grilling gatherings. With simple ingredients and fast cook time, Asian Grilled Chicken easily becomes a go-to favorite.
Print
Asian Grilled Chicken – Juicy, Flavor-Packed & Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Asian Grilled Chicken is juicy and packed with flavor from a savory soy-teriyaki marinade with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Perfect for grilling season and high-protein dinners.
Ingredients
8 thin boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 3 ounces each)
For the Marinade:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
2 green onions, minced
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Scallions for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Pour over chicken and coat evenly. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-low and oil grates.
4. Grill chicken 2–3 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
5. Transfer to platter and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Notes
Marinate overnight for best flavor.
Use medium-low heat to prevent burning.
Store leftovers up to 4 days refrigerated or freeze up to 2 months.