Make the marinade: in a medium bowl whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey or sugar, black pepper, and olive oil until smooth.
Marinate the chicken: place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Turn to coat, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
Preheat your cooker: heat a grill to medium-high (about 375 to 450°F) or preheat the oven to 400°F if roasting.
Cook: for grilling, oil the grates and cook the breasts about 6 to 7 minutes per side until nicely caramelized and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part. For oven roasting, place the breasts on a rimmed sheet and roast 18 to 22 minutes, checking for 165°F.
Rest and serve: let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce. For a glossy glaze, reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken.