Asian Grilled Chicken

Grilling season is around the corner, and we are ready. I can’t wait to crack out old favorites like my Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts and these Orange Saffron Grilled Chicken Legs as the weather gets warm. There’s nothing more satisfying than a flavor-packed grilled chicken marinade in the summertime.

Speaking of flavor-packed, this year I’m bringing out a new favorite: this zesty, sweet-and-sticky Asian grilled chicken. This chicken breast recipe is so easy, with layers of irresistible Asian-inspired flavor from a marinade with garlic, ginger, honey, and lime.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Asian Grilled Chicken Breasts

• Quick to prepare. While you do need to allow time for it to marinate, the marinade takes seconds to make. and the chicken cooks up perfectly on a hot grill in minutes.
• Super versatile. Serve this Asian grilled chicken as a main with a side of rice or noodles, or slice it up to enjoy in salads or rice bowls.
• Easily gluten free. You only have to swap the soy sauce for a gluten free version. Easy-peasy with no impact on the flavor.

Recipe Ingredients

Below is the easy list of ingredients needed to make this flavor-loaded Asian grilled chicken, with some helpful tips, info, and substitutions, where available. Be sure to refer to the recipe card for the full amounts and directions.

• Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Thighs will also work.
• Soy Sauce: Many brands of soy sauce are not gluten-free (see below). Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. I usually use Kikkoman Gluten Free Soy Sauce or San-J Gluten Free Tamari.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil or another oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil. You can also use melted coconut oil 
• Lime Juice: Skip the bottled lime juice and use freshly squeezed lime.
• Honey: Honey brings natural sweetness to the chicken marinade and complements the Asian flavors beautifully. Another option is to use maple syrup or brown sugar. 
• Ginger: Fresh-grated ginger is best, but ginger powder also works in a pinch.
• Garlic: I minced one whole garlic clove, but you can use more or less to taste.
• Optional Garnish: Sprinkle the finished chicken with sesame seeds, cilantro, or green onions, or drizzle with sriracha or Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce.

Is Soy Sauce Gluten Free?

I go in-depth in my resource post Is Soy Sauce Gluten Free? But no, not all soy sauce is gluten-free. In fact, most traditional soy sauces are made from soybeans and wheat, making them unsafe for gluten-free diets. Make that you’re using either gluten-free soy sauce or a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos.

• Grill the chicken: While your chicken marinates, preheat the grill. Afterward, take the chicken out and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts onto the hot grill, then cover and cook for 4-6 minutes per side.
• Rest and serve: When your chicken is cooked through, take it off the grill and place it on a plate or cutting board to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting lets the juices redistribute, resulting in ultra-juicy chicken. Don’t skip it! After, your Asian grilled chicken is ready for serving. See below for easy ways to use this zesty chicken in all kinds of meals.

Recipe Tips and Variations

I love how simple and delicious this grilled Asian chicken is. It really doesn’t require a lot of effort to come out amazing! Here are some final tips and suggestions on how to make this recipe to your tastes:

• Cook to perfection. The easiest way to tell is to take the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken breast using an instant-read thermometer. Your Asian chicken is ready to come off the grill when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 
• Flip at the right time. The chicken should release easily from the grill grates when it is ready to flip. This takes about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the size of your chicken breasts (thinner breasts will cook faster).
• Discard any leftover chicken marinade. The leftover marinade can harbor dangerous bacteria, so for food safety reasons, don’t reuse it.
• Don’t skip the resting step. Resting lets the juices redistribute, resulting in ultra-juicy chicken. Don’t skip it! Then, your Asian grilled chicken is ready for slicing and serving.
• Make it spicy and add crushed chili flakes or minced fresh chilies to the marinade.
• Cook it in the oven. If you’d like to make baked Asian chicken instead, follow the recipe and marinate as directed. Place the marinated chicken onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Remember to rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes afterward.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken

I love grilling enough of this juicy Asian chicken to have leftovers. Cooked chicken breasts are great to slice up and serve cold in salads or chicken wraps, or you can reheat them.

• Refrigerate. Store your leftover grilled chicken airtight in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze. It can also be wrapped or sealed in a container and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Defrost it in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat. Warm up the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, if desired.

Make It a Meal

• Have an appetizer. These Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls also make a great starter or side dish in warmer weather. And Bang Bang Cauliflower brings the spice.
• Start with rice. Serve grilled Asian chicken with a side of White Rice, or, as an alternative, try Quinoa as a base for some Buddha Bowls for quick, flavor-filled lunches!
• Or go with noodles. If rice isn’t your thing, dish up over Spicy Sesame Noodles (or try Sesame Zoodles for a veggie-based option).
• Make some veggies. A quick batch of Sesame Roasted Broccoli or Grilled Zucchini can fill the rest of your plate.
• Top some salads. Serve flavorful chicken chopped up over fresh greens, or use it to replace the meatballs in a Vietnamese-style Banh Mi Salad. You can also serve Asian Carrot Cucumber Salad on the side.
• Serve with sauce. Try this chicken with a drizzle of Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce, Thai Peanut Sauce, or homemade Bang Bang Sauce for even more flavor.

More Easy Grilling Recipes

• Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts
• Grilled Teriyaki Steak Skewers
• Orange Saffron Grilled Chicken Legs
• Grilled Tandoori Chicken Legs
• Greek Beef Souvlaki