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Home » Blog » Recipes » Asian Chicken Thighs

Asian Chicken Thighs

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These Asian Chicken Thighs are a simple weeknight dinner that hits all the notes that you’ve come to expect from a well-balanced oven-baked chicken dish: savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and packed with umami. Plus, the Whole30 marinade can be ready in minutes!
An overhead shot of Whole30 Asian Chicken Thighs on a beige platter. There is a red banner that reads Asian Chicken Thighs, Paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free.
This winner winner Asian Chicken dinner recipe is an OG Nomster favorite, but my original step-by-step photos were old and ugly. But lucky for you, I’ve finally updated the pics and streamlined the steps for you!

The Easiest and Tastiest Asian Chicken Marinade

This simple marinade for my Asian chicken thighs will win over your pickiest eaters. Here are some helpful tips to make it just right:
  • If you’re doing a Whole30, simply replace the honey with some diced apple. Want a keto-friendly version?Leave out the sweetener and your chicken dinner will still taste great.
  • The easiest way to make the marinade is to dump all the ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor and blitz until smooth. If your blender isn’t super powerful, you’ll have to chop the marinade ingredients smaller before dumping them in.
  • You’re aiming for a marinade that’s saltier than you would use as a dressing—taste it before pouring it on the chicken! Even though the marinade will taste salty, they chicken will be perfectly seasoned.
  • Avoid using fresh ginger in the marinade because it contains an enzyme that can break down protein. (I learned this lesson the hard way when I was developing my Wonton Meatballs recipe.)

Can You Make This Dish with Other Chicken Parts?

Definitely! I’ve used this Asian chicken marinade marinade on spatchcocked whole chickens, boneless and skinless thighs and breasts, wings, you name it. Just remember that boneless and skinless chicken will cook faster so you should check the internal temperature earlier.

How Can You Make Asian Chicken Thighs Ahead of Time?

You can blend the Asian chicken marinade ahead of time and have it ready in your fridge for up to four days. Also, you can marinate the chicken for up to two days before roasting it. I don’t love freezing marinated raw chicken and thawing it to roast later because the chicken skin gets kind of tough. I’d rather roast the chicken and save the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

What Do You Serve With It?

I love serving Asian Chicken Thighs with my Asian Cauliflower Fried Rice, Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, and Smashed Cucumber and Carrot Salad, but feel free to plate it with whatever your favorite vegetable side dish happens to be. When I’m super lazy, I just serve Asian Chicken Thighs with a big green salad.

How do you clean the dirty wire rack?

For this recipe, I recommend that folks elevate their chicken pieces on a stainless steel wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet when they roast them to ensure even cooking. Inevitably, the number one question I get when people try this method is how to clean the dirty rack afterwards.
Soaking a dirty wire rack in hot soapy water to clean it.

The key is to soak the rack IMMEDIATELY in hot soapy water. Just follow these steps:

  1. Transfer the chicken off the rack as soon as it’s out of the oven.
  2. Immediately place the rack upside down in the rimmed baking sheet and fill it with hot soapy water. Let the rack soak while you’re enjoying dinner.
  3. After dinner, scrub off any gunk on the rack with a sponge and place the rack in the dishwasher. (No dishwasher? Just continue scrubbing the rack with hot soapy water and rinse well.)
  4. Watch this quick Instagram highlight to see how I do it!

Time to make Asian Chicken Thighs!

Serves 6
Ingredients:
  • 6 scallions, trimmed and cut into thirds
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (fresh ginger can make the chicken mushy)
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil or fat of choice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or if you’re on the Whole30 or avoiding honey, use ½ cup peeled and diced apple
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon Red Boat fish sauce
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 3 pounds chicken thighs

Equipment:

  • All of my recommended kitchen tools are listed here.
Method:
First, let’s make the marinade! Break out your high speed blender or food processor and toss in the scallions, garlic, ginger, rice wine vinegar, avocado oil, honey (or diced apple), coconut aminos, fish sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
An overhead shot of the Asian Chicken marinade ingredients in an open Vitamix blender.

Blitz until smooth.

The Asian chicken marinade liquified in a Vitamix blender.

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or storage container and pour the marinade on top.

Pouring the paleo & Whole30 Asian chicken marinade over chicken thighs in a white stainless steel bowl.

Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly, and marinate it in the fridge for up to two days. (No time to marinate? Don’t worry—the chicken will still taste good, even with just a quick toss in the marinade!)

Tossing chicken thighs in a bowl filled with marinade with a pair of tongs.

When you’re ready to cook the chicken, remove the marinated thighs from the fridge and heat the oven to 425°F (or 400°F on convection roast) with the rack in the middle.

Someone holding a bowl of marinated chicken that have been removed from the fridge.

Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and arrange the chicken skin-side down in a single layer.

An overhead shot of marinated thighs arranged on a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet with the skin-side down.

Roast the chicken for 40 minutes, flipping the thighs skin-side up at the halfway point.

Someone flipping the chicken thighs skin-side up at the halfway roasting point.

These Asian Chicken Thighs are ready when the skin is crisp and browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

An overhead shot of the gluten-free Asian Chicken thighs out of the oven with golden brown skin.

Serve immediately! (And don’t forget to soak your wire rack in hot soapy water while you eat dinner!)

[Originally posted on April 17, 2013. Updated on March 1, 2020.]


Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013), Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017), and Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2021).


PRINTER-FRIENDLY RECIPE CARD

An overhead shot of a platter of Asian Chicken Thighs topped with sliced scallions.
Print Recipe
4.94 from 46 votes

Asian Chicken Thighs

These Whole30 Asian Chicken thighs are so easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Your whole family will love them!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time55 mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: gluten-free, low carb, paleo, Whole30
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 428kcal
Author: Michelle Tam

Ingredients

  • 6 scallions trimmed and cut into thirds
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (fresh ginger can make the chicken mushy)
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey Whole30? Use ½ cup peeled and diced apple in place of honey.
  • 1 tablespoon  coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon  Red Boat fish sauce
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 pounds chicken thighs
US Customary - Metric

Instructions 

  • First, let’s make the marinade! Break out your high speed blender or food processor and toss in the scallions, garlic, ginger, rice wine vinegar, avocado oil, honey (or diced apple), coconut aminos, fish sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Blitz until smooth.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or storage container and pour the marinade on top.
  • Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly, and marinate it in the fridge for up to two days. (No time to marinate? Don’t worry—the chicken will still taste good, even with just a quick toss in the marinade!)
  • When you’re ready to cook the chicken, remove the marinated thighs from the fridge and heat the oven to 425°F (or 400°F on convection roast) with the rack in the middle.
  • Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and arrange the chicken skin-side down in a single layer.
  • Roast the chicken for 40 minutes, flipping the thighs skin-side up at the halfway point.
  • The chicken’s ready when the skin is crisp and browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Serve immediately. (And don’t forget to soak your wire rack in hot soapy water while you eat dinner!)

Video

Notes

Fresh ginger will cause your chicken to get mushy! Use ground ginger instead.
Tried this recipe?Mention @nomnompaleo or tag #nomnompaleo!

Nutrition

Calories: 428kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 1g
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mindy says

    August 15, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    5 stars
    This is the BEST chicken marinade ever! This is now my go-to chicken recipe and we make it almost every week!

    Reply
  2. LucyDC says

    August 16, 2020 at 12:16 am

    5 stars
    A HUGE FAVORITE in my house! I make this often, and as amazing as it is hot out of the oven, it’s SO GOOD as cold leftovers. So quick and easy to make!

    Reply
  3. Peggy says

    August 16, 2020 at 10:39 pm

    I should have gone with my instincts and set the temperature at 375. At 425 some of it burned cooking the suggested length of time. I do like the simplicity of this recipe and the flavor is great. I will make this again but at a lower temperature.

    Reply
  4. Tracy deVeer says

    August 29, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    I’m trying this busy day in the crock pot with the marinade poured over the top. Hope I don’t come to find a pile of chicken mush, but I’m sure the flavor will be fabulous!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 14, 2020 at 2:31 am

      How did it turn out?

      Reply
  5. babeintewools says

    August 29, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    5 stars
    Hello, Michelle,

    Have you ever used Coconut Nectar as a sub for honey?
    Work great and has a lower glycemic index.

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      August 31, 2020 at 5:14 pm

      I don’t normally use coconut nectar because most folks can’t find it. I bet it would work great in this recipe!

      Reply
  6. Jillanne Dizon says

    September 2, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Hi!

    Would this be ok to make in the air fryer? Thank you

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      September 2, 2020 at 5:35 pm

      Yes! Cook at 400 F for about 18 to 20 minutes. I’d start them skin side down and flip skin side up at the halfway point.

      Reply
  7. Jen says

    September 21, 2020 at 9:38 am

    Do you spray the rack? Doesn’t the chicken stick?

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      September 21, 2020 at 5:02 pm

      Nope! The chicken skin shouldn’t stick to the rack!

      Reply
  8. Maria Lybrand says

    October 18, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    Hi Michelle, i have Mađe this numerous times and love IT. I always use mi conventional oven, but nos want to Cook IT in mi air fryer. How long would You suggest I cook 2 ponuda and AT what temperature.
    Thanx so muci for all You do. I have your cook book and love It.
    Maria

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      October 19, 2020 at 11:17 pm

      You can cook them in the air fryer 400 F for about 20-25 minutes, starting skin side down and flipping skin side up at the halfway mark.

      Reply
  9. Jenn says

    November 26, 2020 at 3:50 am

    5 stars
    These were great! Made 4ish pounds of boneless skinless thighs so baking and the air fryer would have taken too long with the multiple pans I would have needed. Threw them all on the grill and it was so easy. Marinated overnight and might even try two days next time. Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Lyndsy says

    January 15, 2021 at 5:07 pm

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe. I’ve used it wirh all sorts of chicken parts and pork. Hoghky recommended

    Reply
    • Meme says

      April 9, 2022 at 10:41 pm

      5 stars
      This was great and my husband and I loveded it will make it again. I have an intolerance to garlic but it was so worth it.lol. I will try it without the garlic next time I have not found a suitable substitute that doesn’t upset my stomach. I served it over rice for my hubby and quinoa for me along with stir-fry veggies.😋

      Reply
  11. Sophie Krich-Brinton says

    January 19, 2021 at 1:47 am

    5 stars
    So easy and good! I used chicken breasts cut in thirds so cut the time to 25 minutes, and didn’t have green onions, but it was fantastic. Will make again ASAP.

    Reply
  12. debra merle says

    February 24, 2021 at 6:22 am

    5 stars
    OMG! This was sooo good! We cull our own chickens – that have been a little more ‘free range’ than your average chicken – so it’s best if we put them in an instant pot. I didn’t have scallions but our garden always has leeks so I sliced one of those up (it made more of a ‘paste’ out of the marinade) – put it in a ziplock with the chicken parts (all parts – not just thighs) and then in the ‘frig for the day…….that evening put all of it into the instant pot for 18 minutes (remember these are a tougher chicken – baking them doesn’t cut it) and it was amazing! We’re keeping this recipe forever. Thank you Michelle!

    Reply
  13. Kristine says

    July 10, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    Can you use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead? What would timing be?

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      July 10, 2021 at 6:40 pm

      It all depends on the size of the chicken breast. I would definitely use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the 20 to 25 minute mark and aim for an internal temp of about 150-155 F.

      Reply
  14. Brett says

    July 31, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    Are rice vinegar and rice wine vinegar the same ? I bought rice vinegar at the store and was wondering if that is the same thing ?

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      August 5, 2021 at 8:27 pm

      They should be the same. Just make sure there aren’t any seasoning or additives in it.

      Reply
  15. Aisha says

    August 10, 2021 at 12:07 am

    This marinade is amazing. I have now made your recipe about 10 times and I just visited your blog again to double check the steps for my 11th time making your dish, but I will try in my air fryer because it is so balmy and hot in my kitchen right now. If the air fryer doesn’t work, I’m going back to the oven like your recipe instructs. THANK YOU FOR THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE!!!

    Reply
  16. Edward says

    August 29, 2021 at 7:02 pm

    would it still taste good without the fish sauce?

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      August 30, 2021 at 3:25 pm

      Yes, but not as good!

      Reply
  17. Patty says

    September 9, 2021 at 12:19 am

    5 stars
    This was FABULOUS! I didn’t have rice wine vinegar, so I used organic apple cider vinegar. My husband thought it smelled weird 😂 during the first half of cooking, but then it smelled GOOOD! 40 minutes put the chicken a little higher than 165 (more like 185), but it was still juicy and delicious! Can’t wait to eat the leftovers! Thank you for another excellent recipe Michelle! You’re the best!

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      September 9, 2021 at 11:26 pm

      185 is totally fine for thighs! I’m glad everyone liked it!

      Reply
  18. carolyn gross says

    October 24, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    this sounds like a great recipe! My husband is doing keto and you really cannot use honey or your apple substitution, do you or anyone out there have any suggestions?
    thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      October 24, 2021 at 10:03 pm

      You can try a keto-sweetener in place of honey but I haven’t used it myself.

      Reply
  19. Louise Samson says

    December 16, 2021 at 6:30 pm

    5 stars
    Yet another winner!
    BEST chicken recipe EVER! (And I am indeed extremely tired of chicken.)
    Flavourful, easy and altogether fantastic.
    Thank you Michelle, you are truly wonderful!

    Reply
  20. Patty Kinsella says

    March 22, 2022 at 11:23 am

    I have boneless skinless chicken thighs marinating for tonight’s dinner. Would this change the cooking time or temperature? They each look pretty small. Can’t wait to try this tonight.

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      March 22, 2022 at 8:29 pm

      Yes! Boneless and skinless chicken thighs will cook faster.

      Reply
    • Alecia says

      April 20, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      Delicious marinade, my family thoroughly enjoyed it! Cooking time was a bit long, as my thighs were done in about 30 minutes.

      Reply
  21. Lulu says

    June 2, 2022 at 12:04 am

    5 stars
    This marinade is fantastic! I used boneless skinless thighs and grilled them and they were great! Highly recommend this recipe!!

    Reply
  22. Brianne says

    June 11, 2022 at 3:04 am

    5 stars
    This is a go-to recipe for me, especially when I can’t think of what to make! I used this recipe when I cooked for my partner for the first time 🙂

    Reply
  23. Cara says

    August 14, 2022 at 3:19 pm

    Excited to make this! Quick and maybe dumb question — do we use the green or the white part of the scallion? Or the whole thing? Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Regina Chan says

      August 15, 2022 at 3:18 pm

      Use the whole thing! Just cut off the hairy end.

      Reply
  24. Eunice says

    October 20, 2022 at 4:53 am

    5 stars
    I made this on a whim last week and used wings. Baked it for about 30-35 minutes total. It was a hit with the family- especially my toddler who hasn’t been a fan of chicken lately. But this one she gobbled up 🙂

    Reply
  25. Maria says

    January 20, 2023 at 6:18 pm

    Hi there, can this be cooked in my air fryer? My kitchen get so smokey if i cook this in my oven. Thank you so much. Your recipes added my favorites..

    Reply
    • Michelle Tam says

      January 20, 2023 at 7:46 pm

      Yes! I do 400 F for about 20-25 minutes total, starting skin side down and flipping skin side up for the last 10 minutes. Check that the thickest part of the thigh is at least 175F.

      Reply

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