Illustration of a smiling grandma in a chef hat and apron, holding a wooden spoon, with the text GrandmaRecipe.com below her.Search

dinner

Asian Marinade for Chicken

By Grandma Millie

Be the first to rate this recipe

Grilled chicken thighs marinated with an asian marinade for chicken, garnished with chili slices and sesame seeds on a parchment-lined tray.

Asian marinade for chicken is an easy blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey that makes chicken tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Balanced with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and lime juice, this simple recipe creates a sweet, tangy, and savory finish that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or stir-fries. Ready in just 30 minutes, Asian marinade for chicken is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or adding bold flavor to your favorite chicken dishes.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 1 hr 30 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 200
Jump to RecipeFull recipeCommentsPrint / PDF

Recipe card

Print / PDF

Asian Marinade for Chicken

Rate this recipe

Be the first to rate

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
marinating
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 200
IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons Honey
  • 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Chili flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 Green onions, sliced (For garnish)

Equipment

  • 1 Bowl — For mixing the marinade
  • 1 Resealable bag or bowl — For marinating the chicken
  • 1 Grill or Oven — For cooking the chicken

Method

  1. 1

    In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar until well combined.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.

  3. 3

    Place your chicken in a resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.

  4. 4

    Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

  5. 5

    Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Get ready for some sizzling action!

  6. 6

    Take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any excess. We want it flavorful, not swimming!

  7. 7

    Grill or bake the chicken until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ve got this!

  8. 8

    Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories200
Fat8g
Protein20g
Carbs10g

Why You’ll Love This asian marinade for chicken

  • Transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed delight.
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Perfect for grilling, baking, or stir-frying.
  • Quick prep time means more time to enjoy your meal.
  • Versatile enough to use on other proteins and veggies!

Ingredients

Check out these simple ingredients for a delicious Asian marinade for chicken!

Ingredients for an asian marinade for chicken displayed on a wooden kitchen table, including soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, black pepper, and green onions.
  • Soy sauce – 1/2 cup
  • Sesame oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Honey – 2 tablespoons
  • Rice vinegar – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
  • Fresh ginger, grated – 1 tablespoon
  • Chili flakes – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Green onions, sliced – 2

How to Make Asian Marinade for Chicken

Get ready to infuse your chicken with a burst of flavor! This Asian marinade is simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes, a cooking time of 15-20 minutes, and a marinating time of at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best flavor), you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress!

Step-by-step process of making an asian marinade for chicken, including whisking ingredients, adding flavor boosters, marinating chicken, and grilling.

Step 1: Whisk Together Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar until well combined.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

Add minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken in a resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.

Step 4: Seal and Refrigerate

Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Preheat Your Grill or Oven

Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Get ready for some sizzling action!

Step 6: Remove and Shake Off Excess

Take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any excess. We want it flavorful, not swimming!

Step 7: Cook the Chicken

Grill or bake the chicken until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ve got this!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryMain Course
CuisineAsian
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Extra Time60 minutes (marinating)
Total Time90 minutes
DietaryHigh Protein
Serves4
Best ServedHot with sliced green onions

Pro Tips for Making Asian Marinade for Chicken

  • Opt for fresh ginger and garlic for a vibrant flavor boost.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Balance the sweetness with a splash of lime juice for brightness.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing taste.
  • Experiment with adding sesame oil for a nutty aroma.

How to Serve this asian marinade for chicken

  • Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a comforting meal.
  • Pair with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a fresh crunch.
  • Wrap in lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option.
  • Top with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color.
  • Enjoy in a stir-fry with colorful bell peppers and snap peas.
  • Serve with a side of coconut rice for a tropical twist.
  • Use in a salad with mixed greens and a light sesame dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can easily prepare and store your Asian marinade for chicken:

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
  • Place leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

  • Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results.
  • Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Reheating

  • Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally.
  • For stovetop, warm in a skillet over low heat.
  • Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this delightful Asian marinade for chicken, get ready to impress your taste buds! It’s simple, quick, and bursting with flavor. Picture a cozy dinner with loved ones, savoring every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, whip up this marinade, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your culinary adventure. Happy cooking!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What’s a good Asian marinade for chicken?
A great Asian marinade for chicken typically includes soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. This combination not only adds depth of flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and delicious. You can also add lime or lemon juice for a zesty kick!
What do Asians use to tenderize chicken?
Many Asian cuisines use ingredients like soy sauce, baking soda, or even pineapple juice to tenderize chicken. These ingredients contain enzymes or acids that break down proteins, resulting in a more tender texture. A common method is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of baking soda for about 30 minutes before cooking!
What do Chinese restaurants marinate their chicken in?
Chinese restaurants often use a marinade that includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes a bit of sugar or honey. This mixture not only enhances the flavor but also gives the chicken a beautiful color when cooked. Some may also add sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor!
How to make Chinese style marinade?
To make a Chinese-style marinade, combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a sweetener like honey or brown sugar in a bowl. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for acidity. Mix well and let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor. This simple marinade will elevate your chicken dishes to a whole new level!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

Comments

Made this recipe? Share how it turned out for your family.

No comments yet — be the first to leave a note.

More to cook

Related Dinner recipes

More cozy favorites from the same kitchen shelf.

Browse all dinner →