Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken

Name: Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup pineapple slices (grilled); 3 cups cooked white rice; Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Recipe By:

Adrianaa

Posted:

June 3, 2025

Updated:

June 3, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Elevate your grilling with Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken! This dish is a delightful combination of flavors that brings together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for an irresistible meal. Perfect for family dinners or outdoor gatherings, this recipe promises tender chicken paired with sweet grilled pineapple over fluffy white rice. It’s not only easy to make but also offers a taste adventure that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Flavorful Marinade: The blend of soy sauce and sesame oil creates a savory and aromatic profile that enhances the chicken.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, in wraps, or even on salad for a fresh twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra chicken to enjoy throughout the week in various dishes.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Mixing bowl
Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
Tongs
Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor.
Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining your marinade ingredients efficiently.
Tongs: Helps in flipping the chicken easily without losing juices.
Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this flavorful dish:

For the Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional for extra tang)

For the Chicken

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

For Serving

1 cup pineapple slices (grilled)
3 cups cooked white rice
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Soy sauce,
2. Sesame oil,
3. Palm sugar,
4. Minced garlic,
5. Grated ginger.

Mix until the palm sugar is fully dissolved in the marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish securely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; overnight is best for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

Set your grill to medium-high heat while removing the chicken from refrigeration.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Take out each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
Place on the grill and cook each side for about 6-7 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Grill Pineapple Slices

While grilling chicken:
1. Add pineapple slices to the grill.
2. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are caramelized and have grill marks.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Serve grilled chicken pieces over cooked white rice.
Top with grilled pineapple slices.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before enjoying!

Now you are ready to savor this delicious Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken

Serving Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

Over White Rice

Serve the grilled chicken over a fluffy bed of white rice for a classic combination that soaks up the delicious marinade.

With Grilled Pineapple

The sweetness of grilled pineapple complements the savory chicken. Place slices on top or beside the chicken for added flavor.

Garnished with Green Onions

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, crunchy texture that brightens each bite.

Drizzled with Extra Marinade

A light drizzle of the leftover marinade adds an extra burst of flavor. Just make sure it’s cooked first!

Wrapped in Lettuce

Create a fun wrap by using crisp lettuce leaves to hold pieces of chicken and grilled pineapple, making it a great finger food option.

Served with Asian Slaw

A side of tangy Asian slaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.

How to Perfect Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken

To ensure your Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken turns out perfect every time, follow these tips.

Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate fully.
Preheat Your Grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those lovely grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure each piece reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Let It Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
Experiment with Marinades: Feel free to adjust or add ingredients to your marinade for personal flair, like adding chili flakes for heat or lime juice for acidity.
Keep It Simple: Avoid overcrowding on the grill; this ensures even cooking and prevents steaming instead of grilling.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken can enhance your meal’s appeal. Here are some great options:

Steamed Broccoli: A simple side that adds color and nutrients. Steam until bright green and tender.
Fried Rice: Flavored fried rice can complement the dish well. Toss in vegetables and scrambled eggs for added taste.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and balances out the savory flavors of the chicken.
Cold Soba Noodles: Chilled soba noodles tossed in sesame dressing make a delightful side that is both light and filling.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled alongside the chicken add smokiness and nutrition; try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort and rounds out your meal beautifully.
Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with crisp veggies provide a fun appetizer or side dish that pairs wonderfully with Asian flavors.
Sticky Rice: This sweet rice is a perfect pairing that absorbs all those delicious flavors from the grilled chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can compromise the dish’s flavor and texture.

Skipping the Marinade Time: Many people underestimate the importance of marinating. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will ensure deep flavor penetration.
Using Cold Chicken: Grilling cold chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
Not Preheating the Grill: A common mistake is placing the chicken on a grill that isn’t hot enough. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking.
Overcrowding the Grill: Avoid placing too many pieces of chicken on the grill at once. This can lower the grill’s temperature and cause steaming instead of grilling. Cook in batches if necessary.
Ignoring Internal Temperature: Cooking chicken without checking its internal temperature can lead to undercooking or overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken

To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (about 1 minute), checking frequently until hot.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to marinate Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken?

For optimal flavor, marinate your chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows all the ingredients, especially soy sauce and ginger, to deeply infuse into the meat.

Can I use different types of sugar for this recipe?

Yes! While palm sugar adds a unique flavor, brown sugar is an excellent substitute. You may also experiment with honey or agave syrup for sweetness.

How do I know when my grilled chicken is cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I customize Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like chili flakes for heat or switch up the marinade by adding citrus juice or different herbs according to your preference.

What side dishes pair well with grilled chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, salads, or even noodles tossed in sesame dressing. Don’t forget white rice as mentioned!

Final Thoughts

Easy Marinated Asian Grilled Chicken is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Its delightful marinade elevates ordinary grilled chicken into something special. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or sides! Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!