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This easy Asian Chicken Marinade is a bold, flavor-packed blend that’s savory, slightly sweet, and just a touch spicy. It comes together quickly and works on all kinds of chicken, whether you’re grilling, baking, pan-frying, or tossing it in the air fryer.

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Sliced grilled chicken breast, topped with sesame seeds, rests on a wooden cutting board, with part of another chicken breast and a small bowl of green onions nearby.

about this Asian Chicken Marinade

This Asian chicken marinade is one of those recipes I keep in heavy rotation because it makes weeknight dinners taste like takeout without the price tag. It’s a simple mix of soy sauce, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, a touch of heat, and just enough sweetness to balance everything out. In less than 10 minutes of prep, you’ve got a marinade that transforms plain chicken into something bold, savory, and a little addictive.

I’ve tested this asian marinade on every cut of chicken you can think of, including breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and even wings. It works beautifully with all of them and it’s incredibly versatile, too. You can grill it for smoky flavor, bake it for hands-off cooking, or toss it in a skillet when you’re short on time. However you cook it, you’ll end up with juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs with rice, noodles, veggies, or even shredded into wraps and salads for meal prep.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a “boring chicken dinner” rut, this easy chicken marinade is your way out. It makes enough to marinate 2 to 3 pounds of chicken, which is great for meal prep or feeding a small crowd. Just mix, let it sit, and cook it however you want!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If your weeknight chicken has been feeling a little “meh,” this marinade is the flavor boost you’ve been waiting for. Here’s why it works every time:

Quick and easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
Versatile cooking options: grill, bake, air-fry, or pan-fry
Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners
Easy to customize with different flavor variations

Two raw chicken breasts on a plate, surrounded by bowls of ginger paste, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, mirin, fish sauce, garlic, and sriracha—everything you need for a flavorful Asian Chicken Marinade. Each ingredient is clearly labeled.

ingredients

Garlic. I always have a jar of minced garlic living in my fridge. In a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon garlic powder instead.

Fresh ginger. Freshly grated ginger will give you the best flavor in the marinade! If you have to, you can use 1 teaspoon ground ginger.

Soy sauce. Use regular or reduced-sodium depending on your preferences. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.

Fish sauce. Adds savory depth without tasting “fishy.” If you don’t have it, add a splash more soy sauce and a little splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Mirin or rice vinegar. Either option balances the marinade, but I prefer mirin for it’s touch of sweetness.

Sriracha. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want it.

Brown sugar. You can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar in this recipe.

Sesame oil. Just a touch gives the marinade a nutty, toasted finish.

Chicken. Boneless skinless chicken breasts/thighs or bone-in chicken breasts/thighs both work. Thighs are juicier, but breasts soak up the flavor just as well. You can also use it with wings and then throw them on the grill!

essential tools

You’ll need a few basic tools to pull this off smoothly. A couple of metal mixing bowls; one for the marinade and another if you’re prepping multiple batches.

A whisk to combine all of the ingredients together.

If you’re marinating in a resealable bag, make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold everything without leaking. For a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap before placing in the refrigerator.

A metal mixing bowl containing a dark, slightly thick Asian Chicken Marinade with visible flecks of seasoning and spices.

how to make this asian-inspired Marinade for chicken

Mix

In a medium bowl, combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, mirin, Sriracha, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Whisk to combine.

Marinade

Place the chicken into the container you want to marinate it in.

Pour in the marinade and mix evenly to coat. If using a bowl, cover with plastic wrap. If using a bag, seal the bag tightly. Place in the refrigerator and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Cook

Remove from the fridge and cook the chicken using your preferred cooking method.

Two raw chicken breasts marinate in a stainless steel bowl with a dark Asian Chicken Marinade packed with aromatic spices.

Tips for Success

Marinating time matters: At least 30 minutes gives flavor, but 2 to 4 hours is best. Don’t go longer than 24 hours or the chicken can get mushy.

Pat the chicken dry before marinating: This helps the marinade stick and absorb better.

Cut size counts: If using cubed chicken for skewers or stir fry, reduce marinating time to about 30 to 60 minutes.

Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to make sure chicken hits 165°F for safe eating.

variations

For a citrus twist, mix in lime juice to brighten up the flavor profile. If you want more heat, double the Sriracha or add chili garlic paste.

Add umami by stirring in a tablespoon of white miso paste.

If you want a lower-sodium version, go with low sodium soy sauce and increase the ginger slightly for balance.

Want more flavor-packed chicken marinades? Check these out: Mexican Chicken Marinade I Honey Soy Marinade I Greek Chicken Marinade with Greek Yogurt I Easy All-Purpose Marinade

A grilled chicken breast, marinated in a savory Asian Chicken Marinade and topped with sesame seeds, is shown on a wooden cutting board. The chicken has visible grill marks and a glazed, slightly caramelized surface.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal for a deeper flavor.

Does this work with other proteins?

Yes, this marinade also works great on pork or tofu!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the marinade up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Add chicken the night before cooking for the best flavor.

Is this marinade spicy?

It has a little kick from the Sriracha, but it’s not overwhelming. Add more or less to match your spice tolerance.

Can I freeze chicken in the marinade?

Yes! Add raw chicken with marinade to a freezer bag, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

What’s the best way to cook marinated chicken?

Grilling gives a smoky flavor, baking is easy and hands-off, and pan-searing gets you crispy edges. Use whatever method works for you!

Need other sauce ideas? Check out the appetizer page for more!

A plate with sliced grilled chicken breast, marinated in an Asian Chicken Marinade, served over mixed greens, shredded carrots, red bell peppers, and edamame, garnished with sesame seeds. A wooden bowl with chopped green onions sits in the background.

what to serve with this Asian Chicken Marinade

This chicken is really versatile so works with a wide range of sides. Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice or toss it with your favorite noodles for a quick weeknight meal. If you’re going for something lighter, add it to your favorite salad.

For veggie sides, pair it with spicy-sweet roasted broccolini or a quick stir-fry of whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Speaking of sauces, a spoonful of chili garlic oil over the top brings some heat to the cooked chicken.

how to store

Store: The marinade on its own can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once combined with raw chicken, it should be cooked within 24 hours.

Reheat: Reheat cooked chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

Freeze: Combine raw chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Sliced cooked chicken breast, marinated in a savory Asian Chicken Marinade and sprinkled with sesame seeds, is arranged neatly on a wooden cutting board with a small bowl of chopped green onions in the background.

more of our favorite Asian-inspired recipes

If you’re looking for more bold, Asian-inspired meals, try these Korean spicy chicken rice bowls that are great for weeknight dinners. For something warm and comforting, easy dumpling soup is always a go-to. And if you’re in the mood for seafood, Sriracha-glazed salmon with Asian avocado salsa brings a ton of flavor.

Finally, if you make this asian chicken marinade recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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