These Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are the ultimate fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Grilled to perfection, the tender chicken is coated in a mouthwatering marinade with a rich combination of gochujang and sesame oil. Topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions, every bite delivers a satisfying kick.
Perfect for a summer barbecue, these skewers can be paired with a variety of sides like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. Their bold flavors make them a showstopper for any occasion, and their simple preparation ensures you can spend more time enjoying the company of your guests.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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2 green onions, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Wooden or metal skewers
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, gochujang, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Add chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-3 hours, in the refrigerator.
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Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
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Grill chicken skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.
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Remove from the grill and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
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Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers Are So Special
One of the standout features of Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers is their marinade. In traditional Korean BBQ, marinades are used to infuse the meat with flavor while tenderizing it, creating a deeper, richer taste. The combination of soy sauce and rice vinegar helps tenderize the chicken while adding a salty and tangy layer. Meanwhile, the gochujang adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the palate. This marinade not only enhances the chicken but also creates a beautiful glaze as the skewers grill, giving them a delicious, crispy finish.
In addition to their exceptional flavor, these skewers are highly versatile. While they pair wonderfully with classic Korean side dishes like kimchi and rice, they can also be served with fresh vegetables, a side salad, or even grilled corn on the cob. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing this dish with your favorite sides, making it a great option for any meal.
The Health Benefits of Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are not just a treat for the taste buds—they’re also a relatively healthy option compared to other BBQ dishes. Chicken, especially when made with boneless, skinless thighs, is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. The marinade ingredients, such as sesame oil and soy sauce, are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Additionally, the recipe is gluten-free, which makes it a suitable choice for those with dietary restrictions. Using honey as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugars means that you’re avoiding processed sugars, further enhancing the health benefits of this dish. The addition of sesame seeds also provides a dose of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while green onions add essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, C, and folate.
This dish is also easy to adjust to suit a variety of dietary preferences. You can make it keto-friendly by cutting down on the honey or substituting it with a sugar-free alternative. For those who follow a low-sodium diet, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
To get the perfect Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers, it’s essential to follow a few grilling tips that ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops that beautiful caramelized char. Here are some helpful tips for grilling:
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Preheat your grill: Before you start grilling, make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken will cook quickly and evenly, creating those perfect grill marks.
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Don’t overcrowd the skewers: When threading the chicken onto skewers, be sure to leave a little space between each piece of chicken. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken, helping it cook faster and more evenly.
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Grill on direct heat: To get a nice char on your chicken, grill the skewers on direct heat. This high heat helps caramelize the sugars in the marinade, giving the chicken a delicious crust.
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Watch the chicken closely: Chicken cooks quickly on the grill, especially when it’s cut into smaller pieces. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking or burning. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear.
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Let the chicken rest: After removing the skewers from the grill, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions for Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing them with sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate the dish:
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Kimchi: A staple in Korean cuisine, kimchi adds a tangy, spicy, and umami-packed contrast to the savory chicken skewers. Its fermented nature also provides a probiotic boost to your meal.
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Steamed Rice: A classic accompaniment, steamed rice absorbs the delicious marinade from the chicken, making every bite even more flavorful. You can also try brown rice for a healthier, whole grain option.
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Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms complement the smoky flavor of the chicken skewers and add a fresh crunch to the meal.
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Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a light sesame dressing can add a refreshing, crisp element to balance the richness of the chicken.
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Gochujang Sauce: For those who love a little extra heat, a side of extra gochujang sauce or a spicy dipping sauce can enhance the flavors even more.
Why You Should Make Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers at Home
While you can find Korean BBQ at many restaurants, making Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers at home has its own set of advantages. First and foremost, it’s a more affordable option. The ingredients for this dish are relatively inexpensive, and you can make a large batch to serve a crowd without breaking the bank. Additionally, making these skewers at home allows you to adjust the marinade to your taste. Want it spicier? Add more gochujang. Prefer a sweeter version? Increase the honey. The flexibility of this recipe makes it easy to cater to different preferences.
Moreover, grilling at home brings an element of fun and socialization to the process. Whether you’re cooking with family or hosting a barbecue with friends, Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are a great way to bring people together over great food.
Conclusion
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers offer a tantalizing combination of flavors that will impress both seasoned grillers and those new to the BBQ scene. The marinade, infused with gochujang, sesame oil, and a hint of honey, creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats the chicken perfectly, giving it a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. Whether you’re enjoying these skewers as part of a summer BBQ or as a weeknight dinner, they are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more.
This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and adaptable to different dietary needs. The skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Korean BBQ in the comfort of your home, and they pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes. So, fire up the grill and treat yourself to these mouthwatering Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers—they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion!