Grilled

Korean Bbq Chicken

Name: Korean Bbq Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil; 1 tsp (5g) ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped green onions, for garnish; 2 tbsp (15g) toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

By Rosa Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Grilled

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total60 min

Serves4

Korean BBQ chicken is one of my family's favorite dishes to make and enjoy together. The sweet and spicy flavors of the marinade, combined with the char of the grill, create a truly unforgettable taste experience. I've perfected this recipe over the years, and I'm excited to share it with you so you can enjoy it with your loved ones as well.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that's sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort.

One of the things I love most about Korean BBQ chicken is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course, use it in salads, or even add it to tacos for a fusion twist. The possibilities are endless, and I'm sure you'll find yourself making this recipe again and again.

In this article, I'll guide you through the process of making Korean BBQ chicken, from preparing the marinade to grilling the chicken to perfection. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the recipe your own and ensure that it turns out delicious every time.

So, let's get started! With this recipe, you'll be enjoying delicious Korean BBQ chicken in no time, and I'm confident that it will become a staple in your household just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The marinade is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time
The dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings
The flavors are sweet, spicy, and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser
The recipe is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to tacos
The chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making it a great option for any meal

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in the marinade. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a rich, savory flavor profile that complements the chicken perfectly. The acidity in the vinegar helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it tender and juicy.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the grilling process. By cooking the chicken over medium-high heat, we're able to achieve a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. This is due to the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs when food is cooked, resulting in the formation of new flavor compounds and browning.

Finally, the resting time after grilling is crucial. By letting the chicken rest for a few minutes, we're allowing the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful. This is because the heat from cooking causes the proteins in the meat to contract, pushing the juices to the surface. By letting it rest, we're giving the juices time to seep back into the meat, making it more tender and juicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Korean BBQ chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients. The most important ones are the chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients will provide the bulk of the flavor and texture for the dish. You'll also need some vegetable oil, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. For the chicken, opt for boneless, skinless thighs for the best results. For the soy sauce, choose a low-sodium option to avoid overpowering the dish. For the brown sugar, use a dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessChoose fresh and high-quality chicken thighs for the best results. Boneless, skinless thighs work best for this recipe.
1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauceOpt for a low-sodium soy sauce to avoid overpowering the dish. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarUse a dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but keep in mind that they have a stronger flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe. Make sure to mince it finely to release its flavors and oils.
1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, gratedFresh ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish. You can also use ground ginger as a substitute, but fresh is preferred.
2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oilChoose a neutral-tasting oil like canola or grapeseed. You can also use avocado oil or peanut oil for a nuttier flavor.
1 tsp (5g) ground black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use white pepper or a combination of both.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse a flaky sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor. You can also use table salt, but keep in mind that it has a stronger flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped green onions, for garnishChoose fresh and high-quality green onions for the best flavor and texture. You can also use scallions or chives as a substitute.
2 tbsp (15g) toasted sesame seeds, for garnishToasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish. You can toast them yourself or buy them pre-toasted.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhisk

How to Make Korean Bbq Chicken

1
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
2
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
4
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
5
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the garnishes. Chop the green onions and toast the sesame seeds.
6
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the sliced chicken.
8
Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
9
Serve the chicken hot, with your choice of sides and salads.
10
Let the chicken rest for an additional 10 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmarinate the chicken, as it can become too salty and tough.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it, to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Garnish the chicken with fresh and colorful ingredients, like green onions and toasted sesame seeds, to add visual appeal and flavor.
Experiment with different marinade ingredients, like honey or maple syrup, to create unique flavor profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmarinating the chicken, which can make it too salty and tough.
Not letting the chicken rest long enough, which can cause it to become dry and tough.
Not using a meat thermometer, which can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Not garnishing the chicken with fresh and colorful ingredients, which can make it look bland and unappetizing.
Not experimenting with different marinade ingredients, which can result in a lack of flavor and creativity.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the marinade with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Use different types of sugar, like honey or maple syrup, to create unique flavor profiles.
Add some acidity to the marinade with lemon juice or vinegar.
Use different types of oil, like avocado or peanut oil, to add unique flavors to the dish.
Garnish the chicken with different ingredients, like chopped cilantro or scallions, to add fresh and colorful flavors.

What to Serve With Korean Bbq Chicken

Serve the Korean BBQ chicken with your choice of sides and salads. Some popular options include steamed vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, and kimchi coleslaw. You can also serve it with a side of rice or noodles, like sushi rice or soba noodles.

For a more substantial meal, try serving the chicken with a variety of Korean-style dishes, like bibimbap or bulgogi. You can also use the chicken in salads, like a Korean-style chicken salad with mixed greens, kimchi, and toasted sesame seeds.

Steamed vegetablesRoasted sweet potatoesKimchi coleslawSushi riceSoba noodlesBibimbap

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Store any leftover Korean BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the chicken until it's warmed through.

When storing the chicken, make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. This will help prevent bacterial growth and keep the chicken fresh for a longer period.

To freeze the chicken, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat frozen chicken, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave until it's warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for Korean BBQ?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best type of chicken to use for Korean BBQ. They have a higher fat content than breast meat, which makes them more tender and juicy when grilled.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it tender and juicy.

What is the internal temperature of cooked chicken?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be at least 165 F (74 C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.

Can I use different types of sugar in the marinade?

Yes, you can use different types of sugar in the marinade, like honey or maple syrup. These sugars will add unique flavor profiles to the dish and create a sweet and savory flavor.

How do I store leftover Korean BBQ chicken?

Store leftover Korean BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the chicken until it's warmed through.

Can I use this recipe for other types of meat?

Yes, you can use this recipe for other types of meat, like beef or pork. Simply adjust the marinating time and cooking method according to the type of meat you're using.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Korean BBQ chicken?

Some common mistakes to avoid when making Korean BBQ chicken include overmarinating the chicken, not letting it rest long enough, and not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How do I add heat to the marinade?

You can add heat to the marinade by using red pepper flakes or sriracha. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as the heat can quickly become overpowering.

The Full Recipe

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