Quick Korean BBQ Chicken

A Flavorful Adventure with Quick Korean BBQ Chicken

“Quick Korean BBQ Chicken” is one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was on a busy weeknight when I had little time but craved something special. The idea of making a “Quick Korean BBQ Chicken” seemed like the perfect solution, combining the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with the convenience of a simple, quick-to-cook recipe. I marinated the chicken thighs in a savory mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, and as it cooked, the aroma filled my kitchen with a sense of comfort and excitement.

The Magic of Quick Korean BBQ Chicken

Every time I prepare “Quick Korean BBQ Chicken,” I’m reminded of why it’s such a beloved recipe. The marinade, with its blend of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds, transforms humble chicken thighs into something extraordinary. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients and a little patience while the chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors. I love how the chicken caramelizes as it cooks, creating a slightly sweet, slightly smoky crust that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice or fresh lettuce wraps.

Bringing Family Together with Quick Korean BBQ Chicken

This “Quick Korean BBQ Chicken” recipe has become a favorite at our family dinners. I often serve it with an array of Korean side dishes like kimchi and pickled radishes, which adds a burst of color and flavor to the meal. It’s amazing how a dish that takes so little time to prepare can bring so much joy and togetherness to the table. The tender, juicy chicken, with its sweet and savory notes, always gets rave reviews, and I find myself making it again and again.

A Versatile Delight in Quick Korean BBQ Chicken

What I love most about “Quick Korean BBQ Chicken” is its versatility. Whether I’m in the mood for a simple dinner or something a bit more festive, this dish always fits the bill. Sometimes I add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the marinade for extra texture, and if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it to get that smoky, charred flavor. No matter how I prepare it, “Quick Korean BBQ Chicken” never disappoints—it’s a recipe that’s sure to stay in my repertoire for years to come.

Chef’s Notes- Quick Korean BBQ Chicken

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer marination time enhances the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
• Cutting Chicken: To ensure even cooking, cut the chicken thighs into uniform strips. This will help them cook quickly and evenly in the pan.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated ginger and freshly chopped garlic make a significant difference in flavor. If possible, avoid using pre-minced garlic or ginger paste.
• Caramelization Tip: For a beautiful caramelization, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, allowing space between the pieces to achieve that perfect sear.
• Honey for Extra Shine: Adding honey during the last minute of cooking not only enhances the flavor but also gives the chicken a glossy finish. Be careful not to burn it; add it just before removing the chicken from the heat.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer grilling, cook the chicken over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Grilling will add a delightful smoky flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve the chicken with steamed rice and lettuce wraps, accompanied by Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radishes, or spicy cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover Ideas: Leftover chicken can be used in salads, wraps, or even as a topping for a rice bowl the next day. It’s a versatile dish that stays flavorful.

Quick Korean BBQ Chicken

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main CourseCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Resting Time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

25

minutes

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Quick Korean BBQ Chicken! This dish is a delightful twist on the traditional bulgogi, using tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory and sweet sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it with rice, lettuce wraps, and your favorite Korean sides for a complete meal experience.

Ingredients

• Marinade

• 1/3 cup soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons white sugar

• 3 cloves garlic finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/4 teaspoon Korean red pepper flakes

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

• Vegetables

• 2 green onions chopped (dark green parts separated from white and light green parts)

• 1/4 yellow onion thinly sliced

• Main Ingredient

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into thin strips

• Finishing Touch

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options.

• White Sugar: Brown sugar or coconut sugar.

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Sesame Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil.

• Korean Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper or paprika.

Directions

• Marinade Preparation – In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, white sugar, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, ginger, black pepper, and toasted sesame seeds. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined (approx. 5 minutes).
• Marinate Chicken – Add the thinly sliced chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor (approx. 60 minutes).
• Cook Chicken – Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and caramelized around the edges (approx. 10 minutes). Optionally add honey during the last minute of cooking for extra caramelization.
• Garnish and Serve – Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and garnish with the dark green parts of the chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice and lettuce wraps.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Nonstick Pan
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin A: 200IU
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQs- Quick Korean BBQ Chicken

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, keep in mind that thighs are more tender and juicy, which works well with the quick cooking time. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 1 hour?

While marinating for 1 hour is recommended, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes if you’re short on time. However, for the best flavor, longer marination is ideal.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the Korean red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, substitute with a small pinch of paprika for a milder spice.

How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a nonstick pan over low heat or in the microwave.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free. The flavor will be just as delicious!