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    Home » Gluten free » Asian Grilled Chicken

    Asian Grilled Chicken

    June 14, 2023 by Tracy | Updated June 14, 2023 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    two grilled chicken breasts on a plate with Pinterest pin text.
    two grilled chicken breasts on a plate with Pinterest pin text.
    two grilled chicken breasts on a plate with Pinterest pin text.
    two grilled chicken breasts on a plate with Pinterest pin text.

    It's one of our favorite go-to, quick, easy, flavorful chicken marinades! Our Asian Grilled Chicken is a delicious grilled chicken recipe to enjoy the chicken on its own, in a banh mi, or sliced on top of a salad. It's an incredibly versatile recipe that's made with just a few ingredients!

    two grilled chicken breasts on a plate.

    We have been making this grilled chicken recipe for years, friends. When we want a flavorful chicken that makes the most delicious chicken sandwiches (hey hey banh mis), to top a salad with, or just to enjoy with some delicious summer sides, our Asian Grilled Chicken is one of our favorites!

    Ingredients Needed

    a plate of raw chicken breasts, cilantro, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
    • Chicken Breasts - Breast meat is our usual go to, but this is also delicious using chicken thighs, too.
    • Fish Sauce - This is what adds a ton of Asian flavors!
    • Lime Juice - The acidity needed to balance the salty umami fish sauce flavors.
    • Fresh Garlic - You could use garlic powder, too.
    • Sugar - Just a little sweetness to balance out the saltiness.
    • Fresh Cilantro - Fresh is our favorite for this, but you could use dried, too!

    What is Fish Sauce?

    Fish sauce is a staple in a lot of Asian cooking. It's a liquid condiment made from fish that have been salted and fermented for about 2 years. As a result, you had a fishy, briny, salty, but also savory umami flavor-packed sauce that's used in a variety of Asian dishes. Similar to oyster sauce (just thinner in consistency), this sauce is a great addition to marinades, stir-fry recipes, and pad thais.

    You can find fish sauce usually in the Asian section of your major grocery store, however, the best (and most affordable!) fish sauces are found in Asian markets. While you're there, pick up some rice noodles, too as there's always much more variety at a much better cost than your big grocery stores!

    Easy to Make

    a plate of raw chicken and a cutting board with cilantro and garlic and a bag with liquid.

    Another great aspect of this Asian-inspired chicken marinade recipe is that it's ready in just minutes. Chop some garlic and cilantro, and add it all to a bag with the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.

    raw chicken marinating in a bag with cilantro.

    Add the chicken and give it all a good mix. Let this marinate for at least 1 hr but up to overnight.

    grilled chicken breasts on a plate.

    Recipe Tips

    Can I substitute the fish sauce?

    You can substitute oyster sauce for fish sauce for a similar flavor, but it's not quite the same. The fish sauce really adds more flavor. Also, having a good fish sauce in your fridge is a great way to add a ton of flavor to some of your favorite Asian dishes, so we highly recommend having some around, anyway!

    Where to Find Fish Sauce

    You should be able to find it in any major grocery store. However, our tip is to buy it at your local Asian Market. Not only is it better priced there, but there are more options and you can stock up on some rice noodles while you're there - which are also a much better deal there than at a larger grocery store.

    Use Another Cut of Chicken

    Breasts are our go-to, but bone-in or out thighs, legs or quarters, or even bone-in breasts are a delicious option, too. Just keep in mind that bone-in cuts will take a lot longer to grill.

    Can I Bake it, Instead?

    Of course! See recipe notes for baking instructions.

    two grilled chicken breasts on a plate.

    So juicy, so flavorful, and ready for a homemade Grilled Chicken Banh Mi or to serve with our Asian Cucumber Salad, Sesame Soba Noodle Salad, 15 Minute Garlic Fried Noodles, Asian Sesame Giner Slaw, or any of our other sides or salads!

    You Also Might Like

    • Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
    • 15 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken
    • Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
    • Cornell Chicken
    • Lemon Pepper Chicken
    two grilled chicken breasts on a plate.

    Enjoy! As always, if you make this recipe or any of my others, I love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, email me, or you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

    If you want to see more, be sure to sign up for my 5 Easy Ways to Start Cooking From Scratch!

    two grilled chicken breasts on a plate.

    Asian Grilled Chicken

    Packed full of flavor, this is a grilled chicken recipe that can be used in a variety of ways!
    5 from 19 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: chicken, Main Course
    Cuisine: Asian
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings: 4 1/2 lb servings
    Author: Tracy

    Equipment

    • ziplock plastic bag
    • basting brush

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
    • 1/2 cup fish sauce
    • 1/2 cup lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
    • 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro chopped

    Instructions

    • Prep Marinade: Add sugar to a large ziplock plastic bag and then add lime juice and fish sauce. Massage the bag with your hand to dissolve the sugar. Add garlic and cilantro and mix more.
    • Marinate Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the bag, seal, and then use your hands to mix the chicken in the marinade. Store in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 24.
    • Grill: Pre-heat grill. Remove chicken from the bag and cook on a grill (or in a grill pan on medium-high heat) for about 7-8 minutes per side (dependent upon the thickness of the chicken), baste the chicken with the marinade every 60-90 seconds. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.
    • Serve and Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutritional information if per serving size is per 1/2 lb serving.
    Substitutions
    Garlic:  You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for 4 cloves, or 1 1/4 for 5 cloves. 
    Fish Sauce: You can use oyster sauce, although the flavor is a bit muted in comparison. We suggest if using oyster sauce, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar, as well.
    Cilantro: Use 1 tablespoon dried for the 1/2 bunch fresh.
    Baked
    You can absolutely bake this chicken instead of the grill. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and add chicken to a baking dish. Baste with some of the marinade, but don't pour excess into the dish. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the dish.  Bake for 35 minutes or until the internal temp of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.  
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 2421mg | Potassium: 635mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jamie

      June 25, 2023 at 7:43 am

      5 stars
      Wow! Another chicken dish that looks amazingly delicious and very yummy! A perfect chicken dish that everyone will gonna love and enjoy! Plus I love how this chicken is grilled to perfection!

      Reply
    2. Ann

      June 25, 2023 at 7:09 am

      5 stars
      This chicken was super delicious! I made it on our traeger and it turned out great. Will definitely make this chicken again!

      Reply
      • Tracy

        June 27, 2023 at 2:40 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it, Ann! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Amy Liu Dong

      June 25, 2023 at 7:05 am

      5 stars
      Grilled recipes are the perfect dishes to make this summer. It is so easy and delicious!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tracy!

    Mom of two, lover of cheese, spinach, and replacing a box or jar of premade anything with a from scratch version. Here you'll find our whole foods recipes that'll add some easy, approachable from scratch flair to your cooking! Read More…

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