Korean BBQ Chicken

Korean BBQ Chicken

Korean BBQ Chicken has always been a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. Whenever I think about Korean BBQ Chicken, I remember the first time I tried making it. The savory aroma of the marinade, a perfect blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic, filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to taste the finished dish. Korean BBQ Chicken, with its caramelized edges and juicy interior, quickly became a staple in our home.

Preparing the Chicken

Preparing the Chicken is where the magic begins. For the Korean BBQ Chicken, I start by cutting boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Marinating them is a crucial step that I never skip—combining soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of sesame oil creates a rich, flavorful base. The chicken soaks up all these delightful flavors, and letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes really makes a difference. I often find myself sneaking a taste of the marinade, as it’s just that irresistible.

Cooking the Chicken

Cooking the Chicken is a simple process, but it’s important to pay attention to the details. I heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken pieces until they’re golden and caramelized. The sugar and honey in the marinade caramelize beautifully, creating that crispy outer layer I love so much. I always keep an eye on the pan, adding reserved marinade if needed, to prevent the sugar from burning. The smell of the chicken cooking brings the whole family to the kitchen, eager for dinner.

Serving Korean BBQ Chicken

Serving Korean BBQ Chicken is where the dish truly shines. I like to garnish it with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a touch of freshness and crunch. Paired with steamed rice and a side of kimchi, it’s a meal that brings a little taste of Korea to our table. Korean BBQ Chicken is not just a dish—it’s an experience that I’m excited to share with family and friends, making every meal a special occasion.

Chef’s Notes- Korean BBQ Chicken

• Marinating Time: For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Caramelization Tips: Watch the chicken closely as it cooks, especially when the marinade is added to the pan. The sugar and honey can burn quickly, so adjust the heat as needed and add extra marinade if the pan gets dry.
• Pan Temperature: Preheat your nonstick pan thoroughly before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear and caramelization.
• Grilling Option: If using a grill, cut the chicken into larger pieces to prevent drying out. Marinate for a longer period if grilling to ensure juicy and flavorful results.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the marinade. They can be cooked along with the chicken for a complete meal.
• Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh sesame seeds and chopped green onions to enhance both the flavor and presentation. Serve with a side of steamed rice and kimchi for an authentic Korean experience.

Korean BBQ Chicken

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main CourseCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Resting Time

30

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering Korean BBQ Chicken! This easy-to-follow recipe brings the authentic flavors of Korea right to your kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this dish is sure to impress. With a savory marinade that caramelizes beautifully, every bite is a burst of flavor. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• Chicken

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts

• Marinade

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (or regular sugar)

• 1 tablespoon honey (or an additional 1-⅓ tablespoons brown sugar)

• 1 tablespoon rice wine (or mirin or white wine)

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• A pinch ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Soy Sauce: Tamari for gluten-free

• Lemon Juice: Lime juice or apple cider vinegar

• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup

• Honey: Agave syrup or maple syrup

• Rice Wine: Apple juice or white grape juice non-alcoholic

• Sesame Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil

Directions

• Prepare Chicken – Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat and cut into small pieces (about 2-inch long and 1-inch wide). For outdoor grilling, cut into larger pieces and marinate longer.
• Mix Marinade – In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, honey, rice wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Marinate Chicken – Place the chicken pieces in the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Cook Chicken – Preheat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, reserving the marinade. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized. Watch carefully as the sugar and honey can burn easily; add reserved marinade by tablespoon if the pan gets dry.
• Serve – Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Equipment

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

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 450mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Vitamin A: 2IU
• Vitamin C: 6mg
• Calcium: 2mg
• Iron: 8mg

FAQs- Korean BBQ Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may turn out a bit drier than thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the soy sauce with tamari, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check labels on rice wine and other condiments.

What can I use instead of rice wine?

You can use mirin, white wine, or for a non-alcoholic option, apple juice or white grape juice.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and caramelized. Use a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.