The Best Asian Chicken Marinade for Grilling

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Sticky Asian sauce made with soy sauce and sweet chili sauce served over chicken and rice ohsweetbasil.com

This Asian chicken marinade is the easiest way to make juicy, flavorful chicken at home. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavor from simple ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.

Whether you’re grilling, baking, or meal prepping, this easy marinade transforms a simple chicken breast into something incredibly delicious. This is the marinade we use when we want guaranteed juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Marinade

  • Made with simple pantry ingredients
  • Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced
  • Works for grilling, baking, or stovetop
  • Great for meal prep and freezer meals
  • Makes chicken incredibly juicy and tender

Ingredients for Asian Chicken Marinade

You’ll find most of these ingredients already in your pantry or refrigerator…

  • Ground Ginger: Adds warm, slightly sweet spice and classic Asian-inspired flavor to the marinade.
  • Ground Pepper: Brings a subtle heat and depth that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
  • Onion Powder: Adds savory, slightly sweet onion flavor without any texture.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives bold, aromatic flavor that deepens as the marinade cooks.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness with mild heat and helps create that sticky, glossy finish.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides salty, umami-rich flavor that forms the base of the marinade.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness and helps balance the richness of the sauce.
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully when cooked.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the sticky glaze.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it coats the chicken perfectly.
  • Water: Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch for smooth thickening.
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, they soak up the marinade for juicy, flavorful results.

How to Make Asian Chicken Marinade

  1. Make the Sauce: Whisk all the ingredients for the sauce together in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it comes to a boil. When it starts to boil, whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until thickened. Then let it cool completely.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Once the sauce is cool, pour half of it over the chicken in a ziploc bag. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill to medium-high heat, then add the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 5-6 minutes then flip and grill for 5-6 minutes more.
  4. Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes then slice and serve with

Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Creamy Ranch Salad

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two saucy bbq chicken kabobs with creamy ranch salad on the side on a white dinner plate

These BBQ chicken kabobs with creamy, herby ranch salad is the meal that tastes like summer to me. Sweet smoky chicken fresh off the grill, charred corn, cold crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, and enough ranch to make everyone at the table happy.

When you grow up a picky eater, you learn pretty quickly how to survive dinner. And for me? The answer was barbecue sauce. If I could dip something in BBQ sauce, there was a very good chance I could choke it down with minimal drama.

These BBQ chicken skewers remind me of those easy days of summer growing up when the sound of the sprinklers were, the lawnmower was my alarm clock, and that hot trampoline with sprinklers set underneath of it was our favorite past time.

I hope you all take things a little slower this week. Do a little outdoor grilling and don’t rush to clean up, just sit and enjoy the sunshine as it lazily slips beneath the trees and night settles in like an old friend wrapping you up in comfort.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Kabobs

  • Easy summer grilling recipe
  • Perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and creamy flavors
  • Family-friendly dinner everyone loves
  • Great for feeding a crowd
  • Homemade ranch takes it over the top
  • Great for cookouts and backyard BBQs
  • Fresh and hearty enough for a full meal
  • Perfect use for summer corn, garden veggies and fresh herbs
  • Easy to prep ahead

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BBQ chicken kabobs recipe comes together in a few simple steps and is perfect for easy summer dinners after a long day outside.

Kabobs

  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean chicken that grills beautifully and soaks up all the smoky BBQ flavor.
  • Avocado or Olive Oil: Helps the chicken stay juicy while adding richness and helping the sauce cling to every bite.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
  • BBQ Sauce: Adds smoky, sweet, tangy flavor and caramelizes perfectly on the grill.
  • Wooden Skewers: Make the kabobs easy to grill and serve. Soaking them helps prevent burning.

Homemade Ranch

  • Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy base for the homemade ranch dressing.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and thins the dressing to the perfect consistency.
  • Onion Powder: Gives the ranch that classic savory flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds bold fresh flavor that makes homemade ranch irresistible.
  • Fresh Dill: Brings bright, fresh ranch flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley or Basil: Adds freshness and a summery herb

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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a bowl of creamy mexican street corn pasta salad with corn, cilantro, red onions, ditalini pasta and creamy dressing

This Mexican street corn pasta salad takes everything you love about elote—sweet corn, creamy dressing, tangy cheese, and bold spices—and turns it into an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

This easy Mexican street corn pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or an easy make-ahead side dish.

What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Mexican street corn pasta salad is inspired by elote, a popular Mexican street food made with grilled corn, creamy sauce, cheese, lime, and spices. You all loved our Mexican street grilled corn salad so we added some pasta for a hearty, flavorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with bold Mexican street corn flavor
  • Creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky
  • Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
  • Easy to make ahead
  • Great as a side or a light main dish

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • Corn (grilled or roasted): sweet, smoky flavor (the star!)
    • TIP: Most grocery stores sell roasted corn in the freezer section which is a great shortcut!
  • Butter: adds richness and helps bring out the natural sweetness of the corn
  • Salt: enhances the flavor of the corn and the overall dish
  • Pasta (ditalini or similar): hearty base that holds the dressing well
  • Cotija Cheese: adds a salty, crumbly bite that’s classic for elote
  • Avocados: add a creamy texture and fresh flavor
  • Cilantro: adds a bright, herby finish
  • Red Onion: adds a sharp bite and a little crunch

For the Dressing:

  • Mayonnaise or Mexican Crema: adds a creamy base that coats everything evenly
  • Sour Cream: adds tanginess and balances the richness
  • Chili Powder: adds a mild smoky flavor and a hint of spice
  • Cumin: adds warm, earthy flavor
  • Lime Zest & Juice: adds brightness and a fresh citrusy kick
  • Garlic: adds bold, savory depth
  • Salt + Pepper: enhances and balances all the flavors

Prep Dressing Ahead!

I made the sauce 2 days early and found it to have more flavor so you can totally prep ahead. Just store it in an airtight co

Easy Chicken Caprese on the Grill

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several grilled chicken breasts topped with melted fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil and a balsamic glaze - chicken caprese

This chicken caprese is a fresh, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. We love to use the grill but you can also bake in the oven or fry in a pan. Bonus points for being a quick and healthy chicken recipe!

It’s everything you love about a classic caprese salad, turned into an easy, satisfying main dish. Whether you grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet, this caprese chicken recipe comes together quickly and feels just a little bit elevated without any extra effort.

What is Chicken Caprese?

Chicken caprese is a simple dish inspired by the classic Italian caprese salad, made with chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese

  • Hands-on prep time is less than 30 minutes
  • Fresh, simple ingredients
  • Naturally low-carb (8g) and high-protein (61g)
  • Works on the grill, stovetop, or oven
  • Perfect for weeknights or entertaining

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chicken Breasts: the juicy, protein-packed base
  • Tomatoes: fresh and vibrant
  • Fresh Mozzarella: creamy and melty
  • Fresh Basil: adds bright, herby flavor
  • Balsamic Glaze: sweet and tangy finish
  • Olive Oil + Seasonings: simple flavor builders

👉 Optional (but highly recommended!): balsamic marinade for extra flavor (see below)

How to Make Chicken Caprese

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season (or marinate) the chicken breasts.
  2. Cook the chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (see section below for instructions for each).
  3. Add toppings: Top each piece with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes.
  4. Melt the cheese: Let the mozzarella melt slightly in the broiler.
  5. Finish and serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm and melty.

👉 Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally.

Ways to Cook Chicken Caprese

Grilled Chicken Caprese – Adds smoky flavor and is perfect for summer.

  • Heat a grill to medium-high heat, then add the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Baked Chicken Caprese – Easy, hands-off and great for weeknights.

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Place the chicken in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes uncovered, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Father’s Day Recipes Dad Will Love (Easy + Grilling Favorites)

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collage of favorite father's day main dishes

Father’s Day is all about celebrating Dad, and let’s be honest, the best way to do that is with really good food. From juicy steaks and BBQ favorites to easy sides and indulgent desserts, these Father’s Day recipes are perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or a laid-back day at home. If you’re wondering what to cook for Father’s Day, you’re in the right place.


Main Event: Grilling & BBQ Favorites

Fire up the grill—these bold, smoky, flavor-packed recipes are perfect for a Father’s Day feast. From juicy steaks to slow-smoked classics, these are the main dishes Dad really wants.

Smash Burger

Crispy edges, juicy center, and packed with flavor—burger perfection.

Smoked Brisket

Low and slow smoked for melt-in-your-mouth, Texas-style goodness.

Garlic Butter Steak

Juicy steak topped with rich, garlicky butter for the ultimate indulgent bite.

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