This Asian BBQ Chicken recipe is always on my most-requested list. I often make it for company because it’s such a reliable hit. If you haven’t discovered this one, then definitely put it on your to-make list! Chicken thighs soak up a great marinade with flavors including soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic and ginger. Make sure to check out my recommendations for side dishes at the end of this post, because it’s especially great with some of our coordinating rice sides.
Ingredient Notes
- Soy Sauce – My favorite brand is Aloha, but feel free to use any brand you like. With the exception of Aloha brand, I suggest a low-sodium soy sauce.
- Brown Sugar – this adds the perfect balance of sweetness. Use light, or dark would be fine as well.
- Ginger – this recipe calls for fresh ginger, which I think is especially great. If you’ve never worked with fresh ginger, here’s a how-to. I’ve also used powdered dry ginger in a pinch and that will work as well, if you don’t have fresh.
- Lime Juice – I recommend using a fresh lime, as opposed to bottled lime juice.
How to Make Asian BBQ Chicken
Combine all ingredients in a zip top bag and add chicken thighs. It’s that easy!
Then grill it up on your bbq (or use an indoor grill pan or broiler if you don’t have a bbq).
One of the reasons I love this chicken is that it can be served with so many things. You can go Asian-ish, or Thai-ish, or Polynesian-ish.
Serving Suggestions
I love it with this Lime-Cilantro Rice with Pineapple, and it’s also great with Sweet and Savory Coconut Rice, or even Fried Rice. When I made it for these photos I made some Jasmine rice and when it was done cooking I added a few pats of butter, a handful of both sliced green onions and cilantro, some diced mango and salt and pepper.
And if you end up with extra chicken, try this Asian BBQ Chicken Pizza!
Asian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice about 1 lime
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon curry powder
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, fresh grated
Chicken
- 8 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- green onions, sliced for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Combine everything but the chicken and optional green onions in a small bowl. (See note.) Whisk to dissolve brown sugar. Place marinade and chicken in a zip-lock bag. Pop that bag in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours, or longer if you have it (even overnight).
- Preheat a grill (or an indoor grill pan or broiler). Spray cooking surface with cooking spray and place chicken on it to cook. Cook for 5-10 minutes on each side depending on the thickness. Using a digital thermometer, cook chicken until it is a minimum temperature of 165°. However, you’ll want to aim for between 170-175° for improved flavor and texture.
- Optional: garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- I recommend making 1 1/2 times the marinade. I reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken and then use it in the last few minutes of grilling, or just brush it on after for extra flavor.
Nutrition
Questions & Reviews
YUMMY!!! This is my new favorite!! I grilled this and then used it for tacos with some creamy cilantro lime salad dressing (cafe rio knock off)…i could have eaten them all night…..
I have company coming over tonight so of course this is where I came for a recipe. I did a search for ‘company’ and this is one of my choices 😉 It looks fantastic, so this is what’s for dinner!!! Wish me luck! Now to figure out a good side!
This is going into my regular repertiore! My entire family loved this, including my 4 kids. I took it easy on the cayenne pepper but I'll add a little more next time.
I made this with the cilantro lime rice, it was a nice compliment.
I'm new to cooking (finally learning at a 33!) and after being completely grossed out by the chicken thighs, the dish turned out very well. My 8 year old daughter loved it! She is only worried there won't be enough left over to make the Asian chicken pizza tomorrow AND take some in her lunch.
Thanks for an awesome site and wonderful (EASY) recipes!
Sara do you ever get tired of greatness?? You rock!! My husband would kill to have you as a wife! I have cooked about 5 meals in 7 or 8 days, that’s good, right?
Sara, I want to frame that picture. I’m not even kidding, I opened it up big and stared at the green onions for like five minutes. You have a gallery piece there, my friend!
Oh- and it looks like it would be wonderful to eat, too. I looked at the ingredient picture and my mouth started watering! Can’t go wrong with that mix!
With the way you girls think, good thing I didn’t make any ‘breast’ comments…
I had the same thought Kate, but decided not to comment about it! Haha
“My wife turned me onto thighs and they’re great!”
Hahahahaha! 🙂
Hahaha my boyfriend loves my thighs too!
Fantastic chicken! Great flavor and thighs are so juicy. My wife turned me onto thighs and they’re great!