BBQ Korean Chicken Recipe: Easy Ingredients & Instructions

Looking for a BBQ Korean Chicken recipe that nails the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory without the mess of frying? This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken marinated in a bold blend of gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger—flavors that dance on your taste buds with every bite.

Close-up of grilled Korean BBQ chicken glazed with sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with side dishes and rice on a wooden board.

This Korean BBQ Chicken is easy to make and packed with layers of flavor, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-cooked, the chicken comes out tender and incredibly flavorful thanks to the marinade’s magic.

This recipe uses simple ingredients, many found in your pantry, and only requires a little marinating time to bring out those rich, sticky, glossy edges that make Korean BBQ chicken a crowd favorite. So, if you want juicy, flavorful chicken without fuss, this recipe has you covered 😋🔥.

Ingredients List & Step-By-Step Instructions For BBQ Korean Chicken Recipe

Getting the marinade right is the heart of this Korean BBQ Chicken recipe. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors comes from a few key ingredients combined carefully. The chicken thighs soak up this rich mixture, turning tender and packed with flavor.

Ingredient Quantity
Chicken thighs (boneless, skin-on) 2 lbs (900g)
Soy sauce ⅓ cup
Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) 2 tablespoons
Dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons
Rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon
Sesame oil 1 tablespoon
Fresh ginger (grated) 1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Sesame seeds (to garnish) 1 teaspoon

Step 1

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, gochujang, dark brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, and paprika in a bowl. This mix is where all the magic begins—sweet, spicy, and with a little tang to give the chicken some kick. Remember to reserve about a quarter cup of this marinade for basting later. It’s like saving a secret weapon for that perfect sticky glaze at the end.

Step 2

Next, toss the chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal it tightly, and give it a good massage to coat every bit. Then, stick it in the fridge for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better if you have the time. This soaking step turns your chicken into a flavor sponge, tenderizing while building those deep, rich tastes.

Step 3

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade). Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side. While grilling, brush on the reserved marinade to build that sticky glaze and caramelized edges everyone loves. Once charred and cooked through, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken for a little crunch and nutty aroma. Serve hot and get ready for some serious yum! 🍗🔥

Chef Melanie

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