Asian-Inspired BBQ Chicken

The flavors of Asia blend together in this recipe. Jennifer Segal

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Flavored with soy sauce, ginger, lime, and garam masala (an Indian spice blend), this dish blends ingredients from all over Asia. It’s deliciously different, perfect for when you want to fire up the grill and elevate the usual cookout fare. Because of the sugar content in the marinade, the chicken gets gorgeously caramelized and charred on the grill.

For the chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs. While boneless chicken breasts can substituted, thighs are juicier and more flavorful than boneless chicken breasts (not to mention more economical), which makes them a much better match for the bold flavors in this dish.

Asian-Inspired BBQ Chicken

Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Total Time: 30 Minutes, plus at least 3 hours to marinate the chicken

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 2-3 limes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
• 3/4 teaspoon Garam Masala (substitute curry powder if you can’t find it)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less if you don’t like heat)
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 2 scallions light and dark green parts only, thinly sliced

In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except for the chicken and scallions. Set 1/4 cup of the marinade aside and cover (you'll use this later for the sauce), then place the rest in a zip-lock freezer bag with the chicken thighs. Be sure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade, then place the bag in the refrigerator (in a bowl in case of leakage); let marinate for 3-4 hours.

Preheat grill to high heat.

Grease the grill. (Lightly dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil; then, using tongs, carefully rub the towels over the grates several times until glossy and coated.) Place the chicken on the grill; cover and cook 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, then top with the reserved marinade and sliced scallions.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (4 servings)

Calories: 653, Fat: 44g, Saturated fat: 11g, Carbohydrates: 26g, Sugar: 21g, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 39g, Sodium: 1536mg, Cholesterol: 222mg

Nutritional Data Disclaimer

Gluten-Free Adaptable Note

To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you’re following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.

This article was originally published on OnceUponaChef.com. Follow on Instagram

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