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BBQ Korean chicken

BBQ Korean chicken

This BBQ Korean chicken recipe is sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner your family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean-inspired
Servings 4

Equipment

  • mixing bowl for the marinade
  • a grill (or grill pan)
  • some tongs for flipping the chicken

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs tend to stay juicier on the grill)
  • ½ cup soy sauce low-sodium is best to control saltiness
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger fresh adds the best flavor, but ground works too
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste, found in most grocery stores
  • 1 tablespoon honey for extra sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds optional, for garnish
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and honey. Whisk until everything is well mixed. The marinade should be rich and slightly sticky—perfect for coating your chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

  • Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the grill

  • While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, heat it over medium-high and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the chicken

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The chicken should have a nice char and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Brush with extra sauce

  • For an extra punch of flavor, reserve a small amount of marinade before adding the raw chicken (about ¼ cup).
  • Brush this reserved sauce over the chicken during the last minute of grilling. This step gives it that glossy, caramelized finish.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

  • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a side of your choice.