Irresistible BBQ Chicken Korean Style: Sweet, Spicy Marinade Secrets Revealed

Authentic Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Spicy and Irresistible

Looking for the perfect bbq chicken Korean style recipe that will impress your family and friends? This mouthwatering Korean-inspired barbecue chicken combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Seoul. The secret is in the marinade, which infuses every bite with that distinctive Korean flavor profile that’s becoming increasingly popular worldwide.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Chicken BBQ Recipe

What makes Korean BBQ chicken (also known as dak bulgogi) so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors – sweet from brown sugar, salty from soy sauce, and just the right hint of spice from gochujang (Korean chili paste). This recipe creates chicken that’s tender on the inside with a beautiful caramelized exterior that develops when grilling.

Unlike many American BBQ recipes that focus on heavy smoke flavor, Korean BBQ emphasizes the marinade-meat relationship. The result is chicken with complex flavors that everyone at your table will love.

The Perfect Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade

The heart of any good Korean BBQ chicken is the marinade. This version creates that authentic Korean taste while using ingredients you can find in most grocery stores:

• 1 cup brown sugar (substitute for white sugar for better caramelization)
• 1 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium works well)
• 1 cup water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Best Cuts of Chicken for Korean BBQ

While this marinade works beautifully with any chicken cut, boneless chicken thighs are traditionally used in Korean BBQ for their juiciness and flavor. However, you can also use:

• Chicken breasts – For a leaner option
• Chicken drumsticks – Great for family gatherings
• Chicken wings – Perfect for game day
• Whole chicken – Cut into parts for a showstopping meal

How To Make Korean BBQ Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, green onions, sesame seeds, and black pepper until sugar is dissolved.
2. Reserve about 1/3 of the marinade for basting during grilling.
3. Place your chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 4-8 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). If using a charcoal grill, prepare for indirect heat cooking.
5. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
6. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side (for boneless pieces) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, caramelized finish.
7. Transfer to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic presentation.

Pro Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Chicken

• Don’t rush the marinade time – The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be.
• Watch for burning – The sugar in the marinade can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on your chicken and move it to a cooler part of the grill if needed.
• Double batch the marinade – It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week and works great with beef and pork too!
• Indoor option – No grill? Use a grill pan or broiler with similar results.

What to Serve with Korean BBQ Chicken

Complete your Korean-inspired feast with these traditional accompaniments:

• Steamed rice – The perfect canvas for soaking up extra sauce
• Kimchi – Traditional fermented cabbage adds a tangy contrast
• Banchan – Small side dishes like pickled vegetables or spinach salad
• Lettuce leaves – For wrapping the chicken (ssam style)
• Ssamjang – Spicy dipping sauce that complements the chicken perfectly

Why This Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe Works

With nearly 530 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this bbq chicken Korean recipe has been perfected to deliver authentic flavors while remaining accessible to home cooks. The marinade creates that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that Korean cuisine is known for, while the grilling method ensures juicy, tender chicken with a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a weeknight dinner with international flair, this Korean BBQ chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and Korean chili paste creates that distinctive flavor that makes Korean BBQ chicken so irresistible!

So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the most delicious bbq chicken Korean style you’ve ever tasted!

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes