Quick & Easy Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe for Chicken: 10-Minute Authentic Flavor Bomb

Irresistible Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe for Chicken

Looking for the perfect Korean BBQ sauce recipe for chicken that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors? This homemade sauce brings authentic Korean-inspired flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile sauce will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering Korean barbecue experience!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Chicken Marinade

• Quick prep – Ready in just 10 minutes
• Versatile – Perfect for marinating, basting, or dipping
• Authentic flavor – Gochujang provides that distinctive Korean taste
• Customizable heat – Adjust spice level to your preference
• Perfect for meal prep – Keeps well in the refrigerator

Key Ingredients for Korean BBQ Chicken Sauce

• 1 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

How to Make Korean BBQ Sauce for Chicken

1. Gather all ingredients and measure them out before beginning.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the gochujang until completely dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. Add minced ginger, garlic, and honey, stirring to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has slightly thickened.
7. Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
8. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a jar or airtight container.

Tips for the Best Korean Chicken BBQ

• Marinating time: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Heat control: Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level.
• Storage: This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
• Thickening: For a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce longer to reduce it further.
• Serving suggestion: Reserve some sauce for dipping or drizzling over your cooked chicken.

Ways to Use Korean BBQ Sauce with Chicken

• Grilled chicken thighs – Marinate boneless thighs for 4+ hours before grilling
• Korean-style wings – Toss with sauce after baking for crispy, flavorful wings
• Chicken skewers – Perfect for summer barbecues
• Sheet pan chicken – Brush on chicken pieces for an easy weeknight meal
• Slow cooker pulled chicken – Add to shredded chicken for Korean-inspired sandwiches

Korean BBQ Chicken Nutrition Information

Per serving (sauce only, approximately 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 219 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 41g
• Sodium: 3779mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Korean BBQ sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of gochujang or substitute with a milder chili paste.

What cut of chicken works best with this sauce?

Thighs and drumsticks work particularly well as they remain juicy, but this sauce is delicious on any chicken cut.

Where can I find gochujang?

Gochujang is available in most Asian grocery stores, international sections of supermarkets, or online retailers.

Can I freeze this Korean BBQ sauce?

Yes! Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Perfect Your Korean BBQ Chicken Tonight

This Korean BBQ sauce recipe for chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home cooking with minimal effort. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements creates a perfectly balanced sauce that caramelizes beautifully on grilled or baked chicken. Try this versatile sauce once, and it will become a staple in your kitchen for whenever you crave those authentic Korean flavors!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.