A Flavorful Introduction
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are a true crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I tried this recipe—an impromptu BBQ with friends turned into a flavor explosion that everyone couldn’t stop raving about. Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers combine tender chunks of chicken thighs with the vibrant flavors of spicy gochujang or sweet soy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively weekend BBQ, these Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers never fail to impress. The combination of juicy grilled chicken and zesty sauces makes them the perfect choice for any occasion.
Mastering the Marinades
In preparing these Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers, the key is in the marinades. The spicy gochujang sauce adds a kick, blending ketchup, Korean chili paste, and a touch of honey and dark brown sugar. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, the sweet soy sauce, with its mix of soy sauce, honey, and ginger, will hit the spot. Both sauces are easy to make and bring a unique taste to the skewers, making Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers a versatile dish for all palates. I always love seeing the skewers come off the grill, beautifully charred and glazed with a glossy sauce that looks as good as it tastes.
Grilling Perfection
The process of making Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers is straightforward but oh-so-satisfying. Start by soaking the wooden skewers to prevent burning. Marinate the chicken with a hint of rice wine, sea salt, and black pepper. Then, thread the chicken and green onions onto the skewers and grill them to perfection. The trick is to keep turning the skewers and brushing them with sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful and caramelized. Watching those skewers sizzle on the grill and smelling the tantalizing aroma fills me with anticipation for the delicious meal to come.
Serving and Enjoying
Serving Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers is where the fun begins. I love presenting them with extra sauce on the side for dipping, along with a fresh salad or some steamed rice. The skewers are not just a meal but an experience, perfect for sharing with family or friends. They bring a taste of Korean BBQ right into your home, and every time I make them, they remind me of why I love cooking—bringing people together with good food and great flavors.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Evenly Sized Chicken Pieces: To ensure uniform cooking, dice the chicken thighs into evenly sized pieces. This helps prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Marinating Time: While the recipe suggests a 5-minute marinade, if you have extra time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for a deeper flavor infusion. The longer marination will make the chicken even more flavorful and tender.
- Soaking Skewers: Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill, especially during high-heat cooking.
- Controlling Heat: If you’re using an outdoor grill, keep one side of the grill cooler. This allows you to move the skewers to a lower heat area if they start to char too quickly.
- Brushing the Sauce: Start brushing the sauce onto the chicken after the first few minutes of grilling. This ensures that the sauce sticks to the chicken and creates a delicious glaze without burning.
- Alternative Proteins: For those looking to switch things up, this recipe works well with shrimp or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these proteins will cook faster than chicken.
- Vegetable Variety: Consider adding a mix of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the skewers for added color, texture, and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These skewers are perfect when served over a bed of steamed rice or alongside Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, or a simple cucumber salad.
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
4
skewers35
minutes10
minutes220
kcal45
minutesGet ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers! Perfectly grilled chicken pieces paired with green onions, all smothered in your choice of spicy gochujang or sweet soy sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, these skewers are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s get grilling!
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
10 ounces green onions, cut into 1.5 to 2-inch segments
2 tablespoons rice wine
Fine sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cooking oil spray
- Spicy Gochujang Sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Sweet Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons water
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
Alternative Ingredients:
Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breast for a leaner option.
Green onions can be substituted with bell peppers for a different flavor.
Rice wine can be replaced with dry white wine or apple cider vinegar.
Gochujang can be substituted with sriracha for a different type of heat.
Cornstarch can be replaced with potato starch.
Directions
- Prepare the Sauces Spicy Gochujang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine ketchup, gochujang, honey, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix well and set aside.
- Sweet Soy Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a light bubble. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk until the sauce thickens but remains slightly runny. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Skewers Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a mixing bowl, combine diced chicken pieces with rice wine, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for about 5 minutes. Thread chicken pieces and green onion segments onto the soaked skewers alternately.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray with cooking oil. Place the skewers on the grill/skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. Begin brushing your choice of sauce onto the skewers after the initial 3 minutes.
- Continue to turn the skewers every 2 minutes while brushing with more sauce until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely charred. Serve the skewers immediately with any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- grill
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- silicone spatula set
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 220kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 425mg
- Potassium: 260mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 325IU
- Vitamin C: 5.4mg
- Calcium: 26mg
- Iron: 1.1mg
FAQs- Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast for a leaner option. However, be mindful that chicken breast can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for gochujang if I can’t find it?
If gochujang is not available, you can substitute it with sriracha for a different type of heat. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Preheat the grill and lightly spray or brush it with cooking oil before placing the skewers on it. Also, avoid moving the skewers too quickly; allow them to develop a nice sear before turning.
Can I make these skewers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill. However, it’s best to grill them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What side dishes pair well with these skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with steamed rice, Korean banchan (side dishes), a crisp salad, or grilled vegetables. A simple cucumber or cabbage slaw with a light vinaigrette also complements the flavors nicely.
