Asian Sesame Grilled Chicken

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

Highlighted under: Cultural Kitchen Discoveries

I love making Asian Sesame Grilled Chicken for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. The marinated chicken is infused with a blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic, creating a deliciously savory flavor. Grilling brings an amazing smoky element to the dish, and the garnish of sesame seeds and scallions adds a beautiful touch. It's a simple recipe that feels special, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying my craving for bold flavors.

Created by

Sophia

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:41:27.892Z

When I first experimented with Asian flavors in grilled chicken, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the results were fantastic! The marinade works wonders, tenderizing the meat while infusing it with umami. I discovered that letting the chicken sit in the marinade for at least an hour makes a noticeable difference in taste, especially with a hit of lime juice added right before grilling.

Grilling the chicken over medium heat ensures it cooks evenly and develops those beautiful char marks. I always keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or fresh salads.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The tantalizing blend of sesame and soy flavors
Perfectly grilled chicken that's juicy inside and crisp outside
Quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating chicken is crucial for infusing flavors and tenderizing the meat. In this recipe, the marinade not only adds a delicious depth with soy sauce and sesame oil, but the natural enzymes in ginger also help to break down proteins, resulting in juicier pieces. For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, though overnight yields the best results by letting the flavors penetrate deeply.

While many people think of marinades as solely for flavor, they also create a barrier that helps retain moisture while grilling. This is especially important when using lean cuts like chicken breasts. Watch for signs that the chicken is ready to grill: it should look shiny from the marinade and have absorbed some of the color from the soy sauce.

Grilling Tips for Perfection

Preheating the grill is vital for achieving that enticing grilled flavor and perfect char. Aim for a medium heat, approximately 350°F to 400°F. To ensure the chicken gets those beautiful grill marks, let it sear undisturbed for the first 6-7 minutes before flipping. If the chicken sticks to the grill, it may not be ready to turn yet; try to be patient for that golden crust to form.

Keep an eye on the temperature as you grill; using a meat thermometer can help avoid overcooking. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken. If the outside starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly or move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without burning.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious chicken.

Marinade Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create a flavorful dish.

Instructions

Follow these steps to grill your chicken perfectly.

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, black sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat the Grill

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

Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Your delicious Asian Sesame Grilled Chicken is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving. You can also replace chicken breasts with thighs for a more juicier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking for a reduced-sodium option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce as a substitute for regular soy sauce. This alteration will still maintain the fundamental flavors of the marinade without overwhelming saltiness. Additionally, for a sweeter note, maple syrup can replace honey if you’re avoiding refined sugars, providing a different complexity that pairs well with sesame.

For those who might have sensitivities to garlic or ginger, feel free to omit these ingredients. Though these elements add a punch, this recipe can still shine with just the sesame and soy components. If you want to experiment with heat, try adding a teaspoon of sriracha to the marinade in place of red pepper flakes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe shines when prepared in advance, making it a perfect choice for meal prep. Marinated chicken can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop even further. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken in the marinade. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and it can be good for up to three months. When ready to cook, simply defrost it overnight in the fridge.

Leftover grilled chicken can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I recommend using a grill pan or oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the meat. You can also slice it cold for salads or wraps, adding a delicious flavor burst to your meals throughout the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with tofu, pork, or even shrimp.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ What's a good side dish?

Serve with jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing salad to complement the flavors.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.