Asian Grilled Chicken Thighs (Juicy, Easy & Flavorful)
This is hands down one of the easiest ways to make incredibly flavorful, juicy grilled chicken with almost no effort. It’s one of those recipes I always have on rotation because I can toss everything into a zip-top bag, let it marinate in the fridge for a day or two, and dinner is practically done before the chaos of the evening even starts.
When we’re ready to eat, I simply throw the chicken on the grill (or under the broiler), and dinner is on the table in about 10 minutes. It truly is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when everyone is hungry and I don’t have the energy to think.
The marinade itself couldn’t be simpler. It’s made with pantry staples like coconut aminos, garlic, honey, and Shaoxing wine. While testing this recipe, I realized the reason I always come back to this combination is because my parents have always marinated meat in a very similar way. Simple ingredients, but they create the most flavorful and tender results.
There are so many ways to enjoy this grilled chicken. It is incredibly versatile, so you can keep dinner interesting with this one recipe in your back pocket.
Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
- Serve with rice and some zucchini Mushroom Stir Fry
- Use it as the protein for your family taco night
- Wrapping it in scallion pancakes is one of my kids’ favorites.
- Chop it up into smaller pieces and make a chicken quesadilla.
My kids especially love this chicken because it stays incredibly tender and has just the right amount of sweetness. It’s flavorful enough for adults but approachable enough for little eaters.
No grill? No problem. I have tested this chicken baked in the oven, and it turns out just as juicy and delicious. The key is using a very high oven temperature so the outside caramelizes while keeping the inside tender.
How to Make Asian Grilled Chicken
This grilled chicken has truly become one of those recipes I always keep in my back pocket, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner for the family, summer grilling with friends, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen the way it has in mine. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat!
Get the recipe:Asian Grilled Chicken Thighs (Juicy, Easy & Flavorful)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Chinese Chicken Marinade (detailed recipe linked)
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing Wine
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- chopped cilantro, optional
- chopped green onion, optional
Instructions
- Add chicken thighs, coconut aminos, garlic, honey, salt, Shaoxing wine, cilantro, and green onions to a large zip-top bag.
- Seal the bag and massage everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.
