Easy Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe You Can Make at Home

If you’re craving bold, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, there’s nothing quite like Korean BBQ chicken. Traditionally enjoyed in Korean restaurants with sizzling tabletop grills, this dish is loved for its juicy meat and irresistible marinade. The good news? You don’t need a special grill or professional skills to make it. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare an easy Korean BBQ chicken recipe at home that’s every bit as delicious—and it’s beginner-friendly too!

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything step by step: from the marinade to cooking tips, so you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Simple prep and cooking, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Flavor-Packed – A balance of sweet, savory, garlicky, and smoky flavors.
Versatile – Works on the grill, in the oven, or even on a stovetop pan.
Family-Friendly – Mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of the ingredients for Korean BBQ chicken are pantry staples or easily available in grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts (boneless, skinless preferred)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) – optional for heat
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (if using). The mixture should be slightly thick, sweet, and savory with a hint of spice.

See also: Best Korean Carrot Salad Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over it, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2–4 hours. This allows the flavors to soak deep into the meat.

See also: Korean Fish Cakes Recipe – Quick, Savory & Delicious Side Dish

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook Korean BBQ chicken in three easy ways, depending on your kitchen setup:

• Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook for 6–7 minutes per side.
• Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. Slice into strips for serving, and enjoy with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for the Best Korean BBQ Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
• Don’t Skip Marinating – The longer the marinade time, the better the flavor.
• Char It Slightly – A little caramelization gives that authentic BBQ taste.
• Adjust Spice Level – Add more gochujang for heat or leave it out for a milder version.

What to Serve with Korean BBQ Chicken

Korean BBQ chicken is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Try these:

• Steamed white rice or fried rice
• Kimchi for a tangy kick
• Lettuce wraps with fresh cucumber and carrot strips
• Korean potato salad for a creamy side
• Pickled radish or veggies for crunch

Make-Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken the night before, then cook it when ready. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken moist.

Summary

This Easy Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe is a flavorful, beginner-friendly dish you can make at home with simple ingredients. Juicy chicken is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and optional gochujang for a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. You can cook it on the grill, stovetop, or in the oven. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it pairs perfectly with rice, kimchi, or lettuce wraps. The recipe is quick, versatile, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

FAQs about Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe