Asian Sesame Grilled Chicken

Name: Asian Sesame Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I’ve always had a love for grilled chicken, and this Asian Sesame Grilled Chicken has quickly become one of my go-to recipes. The marinade is a delightful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger that adds an exciting depth of flavor. Grilling the chicken enhances these flavors, giving it a smoky char that's truly irresistible. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering and always garners compliments from family and friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you'll want to make it part of your regular meal rotation.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:29:58.535Z

During my last BBQ, I wanted to impress my guests with something a bit different, so I decided to whip up this Asian Sesame Grilled Chicken. The marinade is the secret here; I let the chicken soak up those beautiful Asian flavors for at least 30 minutes while I prepared the side dishes. The result was tender, flavorful chicken that paired perfectly with a fresh cucumber salad.

Grilling the chicken over medium heat locked in the juices while achieving that lovely char on the outside. A tip I learned is to allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to let the juices redistribute. This simple technique made all the difference in ensuring a moist bite every time.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Exotic flavors that bring your taste buds to life
Perfectly grilled chicken with a smoky finish
Quick and easy marinade that packs a punch

      

Unlocking the Marinade Magic

Marinades are crucial for infusing flavor into chicken, and this recipe highlights the roles of each ingredient perfectly. The soy sauce not only adds saltiness but also imparts umami, enhancing the overall taste. Sesame oil contributes a nutty richness that complements the grilled flavor, while rice vinegar adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the oil. The honey balances these flavors, creating a harmonious blend that clings to the chicken beautifully during grilling.

When mixing the marinade, make sure to whisk it until it’s glossy and well combined, allowing the flavors to meld. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha. This not only spices things up but also brings an additional layer of flavor that can really make the dish stand out.

Grilling Techniques for Perfection

To achieve the best grill marks and flavor, preheating your grill to medium heat is essential—around 350°F to 375°F is ideal. This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly, developing that desirable smoky char without drying out. When placing the chicken on the grill, ensure not to overcrowd the grill grates; leave some space between pieces to allow for proper air circulation, which promotes even cooking and beautiful grill lines.

If you’re unsure about the doneness of your chicken, a meat thermometer is a reliable tool. Insert it into the thickest part, avoiding bone, until it reads 165°F (75°C). If you notice that the chicken is cooking too quickly or starting to burn, you can move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly. This is especially important when grilling thicker chicken breasts, as they require a bit more time.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Rest and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a dash of chili flakes to the marinade. You can also serve the grilled chicken over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this dish, consider serving the grilled chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside steamed bok choy for a complete meal that embraces the Asian flavors. A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions not only adds freshness but also gives a vibrant presentation. For a refreshing touch, you can whip up a quick cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to lighten the meal.

If you're looking to turn this grilled chicken into a crowd-pleasing appetizer, slice it into thin strips and serve it on skewers with a side of the marinade for dipping. This makes for a great party platter, and the flavors will keep your guests coming back for more.

Storing and Reheating

After grilling, if you find yourself with leftovers, you can store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its juiciness, let it cool completely before sealing it. If you need to reheat, I recommend doing so in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water. This method helps keep the chicken moist without drying it out, typically taking about 5-7 minutes to warm through.

For longer storage, this grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice the cooked chicken, layer it between parchment paper for easy separation, and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure it retains its tenderness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! Thighs or drumsticks can work well too, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes but no more than 24 hours to avoid over-marinating.

→ Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light Asian salad.