Asian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs
Asian-inspired grilled chicken thighs are a must-try for any grill master or foodie looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish. The key to the fantastic taste of this recipe is the marinade, made with a perfect blend of soy sauce, vinegar, oyster sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Combining these ingredients gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor that will surely please your taste buds. To cook, grill the chicken thighs to perfection and serve with your favorite sides. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a summer barbecue with friends. Enjoy an easy and delicious dish during a busy weeknight.
Tips on Grilling Chicken Thighs
Outside Grill:
Grilling boneless skinless chicken thighs can be a bit tricky but with the right techniques, you can achieve moist and tender chicken thighs with a delicious Asian-inspired flavor. Here are some tips when grilling using an outside grill.
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Marinate the chicken: A good marinade will add flavor and help tenderize the meat for Asian Inspired Chicken Thighs, consider using ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey. Marinate the chicken for at least one hour or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor - In this recipe, I used boneless and skinless chicken thighs, but the bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs will cook more evenly and stay moist on the grill. The skin will also help keep the meat from sticking to the grill grates. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.
- Cook the chicken thighs over indirect heat: Place the chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down over indirect heat (not directly over the flames). This will help prevent flare-ups and ensure the chicken cooks evenly. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Let the chicken rest: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meat moist and tender.
CAST IRON SKILLET:
Grilling chicken thighs in a cast iron grill pan can be a delicious and flavorful way to cook this popular cut of meat. Here are some tips to help you achieve a perfect result:
- Preheat your grill pan: Before you start grilling, make sure your cast iron grill pan is thoroughly heated, and add neutral oil. This will help prevent your chicken from sticking to the pan and ensure an even cook.
- Season your chicken: Chicken thighs can be seasoned in a variety of ways, such as with a dry rub or marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour before grilling to help infuse the flavors.
- Cook over medium heat: Grill your chicken over medium heat to prevent it from burning or becoming dry. A good rule of thumb is to cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Use a meat thermometer: Using a meat thermometer will help ensure that your chicken is cooked through without overcooking it. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to get an accurate reading.
- Let it rest: Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill pan and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
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Ingredients Notes
- In this recipe, I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs are also perfect for this recipe. You can use an outdoor grill or a cast iron grill pan, both will work perfectly.
MARINADE:
- Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce
- Vinegar: Apple cider or rice vinegar will work fine
- Brown sugar: adds a touch of sweetness to the marinade, which can help to balance out the other flavors.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the surface of the grilled chicken as it cooks.
- Oyster Sauce: is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines. It adds a rich and savory flavor to marinades, making them more flavorful and complex. It also adds a unique umami flavor and enhances the taste of the dish.
- Grated garlic: Garlic has a bold, pungent taste that adds depth and complexity to the marinade. It is a popular ingredient in many Asian-flavored marinades.
- Grated ginger: Ginger is a key ingredient in many Asian cuisines. It provides a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. It helps mask any unwanted odors or taste from the protein and other ingredients in the marinade.
- Ground pepper: can provide a subtle spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Additionally, ground pepper can act as a natural preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of the marinade and the food it is used to flavor.
How to make Asian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs
Time needed: 1 hour and 15 minutes
GRILLED CHICKEN
- PREP THE CHICKEN
Clean the chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove excess fat or skin. Score the chicken thighs by making shallow cuts on the surface of the meat. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- MARINATE THE CHICKEN
Place the chicken in a large bowl, add soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, oyster sauce, grated garlic, grated ginger, and ground pepper, then toss to coat the chicken with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
- GRILL THE CHICKEN
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (if using a cast iron grill pan, add neutral oil). Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- SERVE
Once the chicken is cooked remove it from the grill pan and allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the marinade to make it spicy. Adjust the amount to your desired heat level.
Asian-inspired grilled chicken thighs pair well with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or refreshing cucumber salad.
Leftovers are a great way to save time and money, and can also be a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. If you have leftover Asian-inspired grilled chicken thighs, there are plenty of delicious ways to repurpose them into a new meal.
Topping for your salad: One great idea is to chop up the chicken and use it as a topping for a salad. Combine mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and any other veggies you have on hand, and then add the chopped chicken on top. You can also drizzle a tasty dressing, such as a sesame ginger vinaigrette, over the top for added flavor.
Stir-fry: Another idea is to use the chicken to make a stir-fry. Simply sauté some veggies, such as onion, bell peppers, and broccoli, in a bit of oil until tender, and then add the chopped chicken. Toss in some soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or other Asian-inspired flavors, and serve over rice or noodles. Or you can try my Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry.
Tacos or burritos: You can also use the chicken as a filling for tacos or burritos. Warm up some tortillas, and then add the chicken, along with some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a bit of salsa or sour cream. This is a great way to switch up your usual taco night routine and use up those leftovers in a delicious way. Or you can try my Chicken Fajita Salad.
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Asian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Cast Iron Grilling pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Serving platter
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar, apple cider or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 grated garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon grated or thumb-grated size ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or red chili pepper flakes
Instructions
- PREP THE CHICKEN: Clean the chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove excess fat or skin. Score the chicken thighs by making shallow cuts on the surface of the meat. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor. See NOTE #1
- MARINATE THE CHICKEN: Place the chicken in a large bowl, add soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, oyster sauce, grated garlic, grated ginger, and ground pepper, then toss to coat the chicken with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. See NOTE #2
- GRILL THE CHICKEN: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (if using a cast iron grill pan, add neutral oil). Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. See NOTE #3
- SERVE: Once the chicken is cooked remove it from the grill pan and allow it to rest for a few minutes before cutting. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. Serve with your favorite side dishes. See NOTE #4
Video
Notes
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