Korean BBQ Chicken is the kind of dish that instantly transforms an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable feast. From its tantalizing sweet-spicy glaze to the smoky char that lingers on every bite, this Korean BBQ Chicken recipe brings the sizzling magic of Korean street food straight to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, backyard gatherings, or simply indulging in bold flavors, this guide covers everything you need—from the perfect marinade to serving tips that impress.
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Ready to master this crave-worthy dish? Let’s dive into the secrets of crafting Korean BBQ Chicken that’s bursting with authentic flavor and restaurant-level appeal.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Korean BBQ Chicken Is a Global Favorite
The Unique Allure of Korean BBQ Chicken
What sets Korean BBQ Chicken apart isn’t just its fiery gochujang glaze or savory soy base. It’s the perfect harmony of spice, sweetness, and smoky depth that creates a flavor profile loved worldwide. Unlike traditional Western BBQ, Korean BBQ infuses layers of umami, thanks to ingredients like fermented chili paste and toasted sesame oil.
PrintKorean BBQ Chicken Everyone Will Love – Quick, Smoky & Delicious
Korean BBQ Chicken features juicy marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze, served with a tangy marinated cucumber salad for a classic Korean-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (including marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 12 chicken thighs
- 1 tsp pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- For the Marinated Cucumber Salad:
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, honey, toasted sesame seeds, and soy sauce. Mix well and coat the chicken thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat a cast iron pan over high heat until very hot. Add the marinated chicken thighs and sear for about 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
- While the chicken cooks, mix all the cucumber salad ingredients (cucumbers, salt, garlic, gochujang, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce) in a bowl. Let marinate until ready to serve.
- Serve the BBQ chicken thighs with steamed rice, a generous portion of marinated cucumber salad, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Can be grilled outdoors or cooked in a grill pan for smokier taste.
- Adjust gochujang for desired spice level.
- Serve with additional banchan (Korean side dishes) for a traditional meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs + salad
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Essential Ingredients That Build Bold Flavors
Every component in this recipe has a purpose:
- Gochujang: The soul of Korean BBQ, delivering sweet heat and depth.
- Soy sauce & honey: A salty-sweet balance that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Garlic & ginger: Fresh aromatics that cut through richness.
- Sesame seeds: A final touch that adds nutty aroma and texture.
To truly appreciate these flavors, focus on high-quality ingredients and let them work their magic in the marinade.
Discover more Asian-inspired recipes like this one at iHeartUmami.
Perfecting Your Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Korean BBQ?
Marination is crucial. To marinate chicken for Korean BBQ:
- Combine 12 chicken thighs, 1 tsp pepper, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 inch grated ginger, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 2 tbsp soy sauce.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deeper flavor infusion.
How Long to Marinate Korean Barbecue?
For optimal taste, marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Discover more creative BBQ marinades at The East Coast Kitchen.
Cooking Korean BBQ Chicken to Perfection
Best Cooking Methods for Authentic Flavors
Traditionally grilled over charcoal, this chicken can also be cooked in a cast-iron skillet or baked for convenience without compromising taste.
Tips for Achieving That Signature Char
- Ensure the pan or grill is very hot.
- Avoid overcrowding to maintain high heat.
Side Dishes and Pairings That Elevate Your Meal
What Goes With Korean Barbecue Chicken?
Complement your BBQ chicken with steamed rice, kimchi, and marinated cucumber salad.
The Recipe for Marinated Cucumber Salad
Mix sliced cucumbers with salt, garlic, gochujang, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce for a refreshing kick.
Exploring Korean BBQ Chicken Variations
Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe Gochujang
This spicy version uses an extra spoonful of gochujang for heat lovers.
Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade Adjustments
Swap honey for brown sugar or add a splash of rice wine for a unique twist.
Is BBQ Chicken Halal?
Understanding Halal Certification
If you’re purchasing pre-marinated chicken, check for halal certification. When making it at home, sourcing halal chicken ensures compliance.
Halal-Friendly Marinades and Sauces
All marinade ingredients in this recipe are halal-friendly.
Popular Queries Around Korean BBQ Chicken
Korean BBQ Chicken Near Me
This dish’s popularity means many restaurants now serve it. But why not impress friends with your homemade version?
Korean BBQ Chicken Menu Options Globally
Menus worldwide now feature variations like wings, drumsticks, and boneless BBQ chicken bowls.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why Is My Chicken Dry?
Overcooking or insufficient marination can lead to dry chicken. Always use a thermometer to check for doneness.
Making the Sauce Stick Perfectly
Allow the marinade to reduce slightly in the pan before tossing in the chicken for maximum coating.
Serving and Storing Leftover Korean BBQ Chicken
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Plate
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a restaurant-style look.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.
Conclusion
Making Korean BBQ Chicken at home isn’t just about cooking—it’s about crafting an experience. From mastering the marinade to perfecting the cook, every step brings you closer to an authentic Korean feast. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving comfort food, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Looking for inspiration? Try this Korean fried chicken recipe for another twist on Korean flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you marinate chicken for Korean BBQ?
Mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
Is BBQ chicken halal?
Yes, provided you use halal-certified chicken and sauces.
What goes with Korean barbecue chicken?
Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, and a fresh cucumber salad.
How long to marinate Korean barbecue?
A minimum of 30 minutes; overnight yields the best flavor.