Korean BBQ Chicken
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Have I got a treat for you, BBQ chicken lovers… This Korean BBQ chicken is my go-to summertime grilling dinner, with a twist! I’ll show you how to craft the most delicious Korean BBQ sauce to add something special to your dinner. Let me show you the way to a finger-lickin’ meal the whole family will LOVE!
Summertime and grilled dinners are a match made in heaven, and you’ll almost always find me by the grill when it’s too hot to turn the oven on. When I’m craving a chicken dinner that feels a little different, this Korean BBQ chicken is the one I reach for.
It’s sweet, smoky, and sticky with just a hint of heat, and the Korean-inspired flavors give it a fun twist on classic BBQ chicken. It’s bold, satisfying, and exactly the kind of recipe that keeps summer dinners exciting.
5 reasons to fire up the grill for this Korean BBQ chicken
You can see on the images just how gorgeous this Korean BBQ chicken recipe is – it’s the ultimate crowd pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a flavor-packed dinner idea, this Korean BBQ chicken delivers.
Here are 5 reasons to fire up the grill for this Korean BBQ chicken:
- Flavor: The complex flavor profile from the Korean BBQ sauce is everything. Sweet, sticky, savory, smoky, bold, with a hint of heat. The whole family will be reaching for seconds.
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep + just a handful of ingredients = a YES from me!
- Summer vibes: Keep the oven off and enjoy the fresh summer air as you grill.
- Easy clean up: This Korean BBQ chicken recipe makes next to no dishes – perfect for lazy summer nights.
- It’s made with real, simple ingredients, so you can feel good about serving it up.
Ingredients for Korean BBQ chicken
You don’t need much to craft this delicious dinner – under 10 ingredients, in fact! Gather these items:
- Korean BBQ sauce: Combine tomato paste, gochujang (a Korean chili paste), honey, rice vinegar, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic cloves together to make an irresistible marinade.
- Chicken: You can use drumsticks or bone-in thighs.
- Other ingredients: Olive oil, and cilantro to serve.
Is this a traditional Korean BBQ chicken recipe
While this is not an authentic Korean recipe, my Korean BBQ chicken recipe is inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Korean cooking and uses ingredients associated with Korean cuisine. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for incorporating a taste of Korea into a delicious BBQ chicken!
Can I make this without a grill
If you’re craving the flavors of Korean BBQ chicken but it’s too cold to fire up the grill, you can make this recipe in your oven. Simply bake the chicken with a thin coating of the BBQ sauce at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes until it is almost cooked. Then, baste the chicken liberally with the BBQ sauce and broil until it darkens.
What to serve with Korean BBQ chicken
My favorite way to serve this Korean BBQ chicken is to balance the protein with some vegetables or salad side dishes – either a spring mix salad, refreshing cucumber salad, broccoli, or an Asian salad. Then, pairing it with some cauliflower rice or basmati rice to soak up that delicious Korean BBQ sauce! Don’t forget to add some kimchi mayo on the side!
Korean BBQ chicken recipe FAQs
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
How to store Korean BBQ chicken
Allow any leftover chicken to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can enjoy it cold from the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave.
Can I use another cut of chicken?
You can! I commonly use chicken drumsticks or bone-in thighs, but you can use another cut – like chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs. Just note that cooking times vary. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Korean BBQ chicken spicy?
The spice level will vary depending on the gochujang paste you use, but it tends to have a pleasant hint of heat!
Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Korean BBQ Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon EACH: gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, and water
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Korean BBQ Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks or bone-in thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspooon EACH: salt and pepper
- Cilantro (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat your BBQ to medium heat. (TIP: Use a BBQ mat to keep your grill clean.)
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the tomato paste, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, water, salt, pepper, and garlic to a boil, then set aside.2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon EACH: gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, and water, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- Rub the chicken drumsticks or thighs with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side up, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook until the skin is crispy and it is nearly fully cooked, 8-10 minutes.8 chicken drumsticks or bone-in thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspooon EACH: salt and pepper
- Baste the chicken generously with the Korean BBQ sauce and cook for another 6 minutes, turning and basting again halfway.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro over the top.Cilantro
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
I MUST try this. I have no idea what gochujang is. But I am thrilled to try!
I love the way your recipe integrates the ingredients list, including the amounts. I wish every recipe did this. Kudos!
Absolutely delicious! Recommend doubling the BBQ basting sauce if you like full flavored food.
This is not nearly as spicy as advertised. My twin 3 1/2 year old grandsons loved it! For the adults, we found it to be a little bland. I’ll fix it again, but will use at least 1T more of Gochujang.
I think some brands vary in spiciness. So happy to hear that even your grandson’s loved it!
Love this recipe. Added an extra 1/2 tablespoon of gochujang. Delicious!
I’m thrilled that you love this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to come back and let us know!
Made this with boneless, skinless thighs as that’s all I had on hand. Delicious and well received by all! Didn’t have access to a grill, so coated the thighs generously with the sauce and roasted for a short while in the oven – then broiled to get some color and sticky/crunch.
I’m so happy to hear they were a hit!!
Oh my! This looks delicious!
Thanks, Karly! It’s really tasty!!
I’m so happy you liked it!
I haven’t made this, but I am interested in making it. But I do have a question, for those who are not interested in spicy foods, could you substitute gochujang for something else to reduce the spice or to substitute gochujang for something else with a similar taste.
Gochujang really has quite a unique flavor. But don’t worry, it’s not too spicy. You can always reduce the amount you use if you are quite sensitive to heat. 🙂
Isn’t gocuhjang the best ever?!!
Interesting. I’ve never had Korean food with either cilantro or tomato paste. Looks good though.
Definitely not authentic Korean but still very tasty!