Sesame Ginger Chicken Marinade

Sliced grilled meat with a shiny glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds and spices, served on a white plate with a colorful side of sliced carrots, cucumbers, and green onions.

This sesame ginger chicken marinade combines soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, fresh ginger, and garlic for a deeply flavorful, tender chicken that works on the grill, in the air fryer, or in the oven.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Marinate Time2

Servings:

Calories: 361kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, tenders, or drumsticks
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Marinate

In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced ginger, minced garlic, and salt until well combined. Add the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

Grill

Preheat to medium-high heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Air Fryer

Preheat to 400°F. Cook in a single layer for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oven

Preheat to 425°F. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

Overnight marinating produces the most deeply flavored, most tender chicken. The soy sauce and rice vinegar need time to work into the meat beyond just coating the surface.
If using chicken breasts, slice them in half lengthwise before marinating for more surface area, better marinade penetration, and more even cooking.
Chicken thighs are the recommended cut for their juiciness and forgiving cook time. They absorb the sesame ginger flavors more deeply than breasts.
Reserve a small amount of the marinade before the chicken touches it if you want extra sauce to drizzle over the finished dish.

Nutrition