Korean BBQ Chicken
Your grill just made a new best friend with this Korean BBQ Chicken! This dish features perfectly seasoned chicken, drenched in a delicious homemade Korean BBQ sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends. The combination of flavors and the grilling process make this recipe truly stand out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes of total prep and cook time, you can have a flavorful meal on the table in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The homemade Korean BBQ sauce offers a sweet and spicy profile that makes every bite irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and lower in sodium thanks to the use of low sodium soy sauce, this dish is guilt-free and satisfying.
- Grilling Perfection: The skewering method ensures even cooking while adding that beautiful grilled flavor we all love.
Tools and Preparation
To get started with this recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly while making your Korean BBQ Chicken.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: The key tool for achieving that delicious charred flavor on your chicken.
- Skewers: Help hold the chicken pieces together for even cooking; metal skewers are reusable and eco-friendly.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ingredients for the marinade and BBQ sauce efficiently.
- Basting brush: Great for applying the sauce evenly on the chicken during grilling.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1.5 inch pieces)
- salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon Asian five spice (optional)
- 3 green onions (finely chopped)
- steamed rice or cooked noodles for serving (optional)
For the Korean BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce (see note)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons cold water + 2 teaspoons corn starch
How to Make Korean BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, cold water, and corn starch. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes or longer if you have time.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Asian five spice if desired.
Step 5: Grill
Place skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Brush with additional marinade while grilling if desired.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles with chopped green onions on top. Enjoy your delicious Korean BBQ Chicken!
How to Serve Korean BBQ Chicken
Korean BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways, enhancing its flavors and making the meal more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed rice pairs beautifully with Korean BBQ Chicken, soaking up the savory sauce and balancing the dish’s flavors.
On a Bed of Noodles
- Serve the chicken over cooked noodles for a filling meal. The noodles can absorb the delicious sauce, creating a hearty dish.
Topped with Fresh Green Onions
- Garnish your Korean BBQ Chicken with finely chopped green onions. This adds a fresh crunch and enhances the presentation.
As Skewers for Parties
- Skewering pieces of chicken makes for great finger food at parties. Serve them on sticks for easy grabbing and dipping.
Accompanied by Kimchi
- Pairing Korean BBQ Chicken with kimchi adds a spicy kick and brings traditional Korean flavors to your plate.
With a Side Salad
- A light salad can complement the richness of the chicken. Choose fresh greens and a simple vinaigrette to keep it refreshing.
How to Perfect Korean BBQ Chicken
Perfecting Korean BBQ Chicken is all about balance and technique. Follow these tips for a mouthwatering result every time.
- Marinate Well: Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer for deeper flavor absorption.
- Use High Heat: Grill on high heat to achieve that nice char while keeping the inside juicy.
- Baste While Grilling: Brush additional sauce on the chicken as it grills. This adds layers of flavor and moisture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When grilling, give each piece space. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling.
- Rest Before Serving: Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender.
- Experiment with Variations: Try different spices or marinades to find what you love best in your Korean BBQ Chicken.
Best Side Dishes for Korean BBQ Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Korean BBQ Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Kimchi: A classic Korean side made from fermented vegetables, offering tangy and spicy notes.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw gives a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad tossed in vinegar provides a crisp texture that balances the meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful stir-fried veggies add nutrition and complement the savory chicken perfectly.
- Steamed Bok Choy: This mild vegetable offers a soft texture that balances well with bold flavors.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting accompaniment to your main dish.
- Fried Rice: Fluffy fried rice infused with sesame oil brings an additional layer of flavor alongside the chicken.
- Asian Slaw: A mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing creates an excellent crunchy side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Korean BBQ Chicken, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavor. Always marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best taste.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: High-sodium options can make your dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce for balanced flavors.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Always check for doneness and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Neglecting proper skewering: Skewering pieces too close together can prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s space between each piece for thorough grilling.
- Not letting the grill preheat: Grilling on a cold surface can affect cooking times and texture. Preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes before adding chicken.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Korean BBQ Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best enjoyed within 2-3 months of freezing.
Reheating Korean BBQ Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake chicken until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Korean BBQ Chicken, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
How do I make Korean BBQ Chicken?
To make Korean BBQ Chicken, marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, garlic, and optional spices before grilling.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe is versatile; you can use beef, pork, or even tofu as alternatives while keeping the marinade similar.
What should I serve with Korean BBQ Chicken?
Korean BBQ Chicken pairs well with steamed rice or cooked noodles. You can also add grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the homemade Korean BBQ sauce up to one week in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Final Thoughts
Korean BBQ Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various marinades or side dishes based on your preference. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!
Korean BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Korean BBQ Chicken, a delightful dish that brings the essence of Korean cuisine right to your grill. This recipe features tender chicken marinated in a homemade Korean BBQ sauce that perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes, creating an irresistible flavor explosion. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can impress your family and friends at any gathering or enjoy a quick weeknight dinner. The grilling process adds that signature charred flavor, while serving options like steamed rice or noodles enhance the overall experience. Dive into this easy and satisfying recipe for a taste of authentic Korean barbecue.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- Fresh green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, garlic, water, and corn starch; whisk until smooth.
- Add chicken pieces to marinade and mix well; let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes.
- Skewer marinated chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste with extra marinade during grilling if desired.
- Let rest briefly before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
