If you’ve ever craved the bold, savory-sweet flavors of Korean BBQ but thought you needed hours of prep time or a backyard grill, you’re in for a treat. This Korean BBQ chicken recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. With juicy chicken glazed in a sticky, umami-packed sauce, you’ll turn any ordinary evening into a flavorful Korean-inspired feast.
Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or simply looking for a quick dinner idea, this recipe brings restaurant-level satisfaction straight to your kitchen fast.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This 20-Minute Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe
When time is short, flavor shouldn’t be. Here’s why this quick Korean BBQ chicken should be your go-to:
- ⏱️ Fast and fuss-free: Just 20 minutes from stovetop to table
- 🔥 No grill needed: Cook it all in a skillet or pan
- 🍗 Juicy and bold: Chicken thighs soak up every drop of sauce
- 🌶️ Easily adjustable: Make it spicy, sweet, or somewhere in between
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike
This dish delivers authentic Korean flavors without the hassle. It’s a flavorful, high-impact meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this delicious Korean BBQ chicken at home:
Korean BBQ Chicken Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 1.5 lbs | Chicken breast works too |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Use low-sodium if preferred |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp | Or substitute with honey |
| Gochujang (Korean chili paste) | 1 tbsp | Adds depth and heat |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Freshly minced for best flavor |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tsp | Optional, but recommended |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp | Toasted sesame oil for aroma |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp | Balances the richness |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 1 tsp | For a thicker sauce |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tbsp | For garnish |
| Green onions | 2 stalks | Thinly sliced for topping |
Pro Tip: Gochujang can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online. Don’t skip it it’s the secret to that authentic Korean BBQ flavor.
How to Make Korean BBQ Chicken in Just 20 Minutes
Ready to cook? Here’s your step-by-step guide to preparing this easy Korean BBQ chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the chicken
Dry the chicken thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces or strips to speed up the cooking process. - Mix the sauce
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Set aside. - Sear the chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and mostly cooked. - Add the sauce
Pour in the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until thick and sticky. Add cornstarch if you prefer a thicker glaze. - Finish and garnish
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions just before serving.
Time-saving tip: You can marinate the chicken in the sauce ahead of time to enhance flavor, but it’s not required for this quick version.
Serving Suggestions for Korean BBQ Chicken
Wondering what to serve alongside your flavorful BBQ chicken? Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
Classic Pairings
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Quick kimchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Asian slaw with sesame dressing
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Fried egg (Korean “dosirak” style)
Low-Carb Options
- Lettuce wraps (butter lettuce or romaine)
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Cucumber kimchi salad
| Classic Side | Low-Carb Alternative |
|---|---|
| White rice | Cauliflower rice |
| Kimchi fried rice | Cabbage stir-fry |
| Bulgogi noodles | Spiralized zucchini noodles |
Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch things up? This recipe is incredibly versatile.
Ingredient Substitutions
- No gochujang? Use a mix of sriracha and miso paste
- No brown sugar? Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar
- No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch
Protein Variations
- Tofu (for a vegetarian version)
- Shrimp (add at the end to prevent overcooking)
- Pork belly (for authentic Korean-style BBQ)
Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
Expert Cooking Tips from Korean Cuisine Enthusiasts
Get the best results with these time-tested tips from home cooks and Korean food lovers:
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results compared to breasts
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan
- Deglaze with a splash of water if the sauce thickens too quickly
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a toasty aroma
- Add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for extra spice if desired
“To get the most out of the sauce, reduce it until it clings to the chicken like a glaze.” – Maangchi, Korean cooking expert
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Sugar | ~8g |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Sources & References
Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe Card
Print
Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe Ready in Just 20 Minutes (No Grill Needed!)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Make this easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe in just 20 minutes no grill required! Perfectly juicy, sweet, and savory chicken that’s pan-seared to perfection with authentic Korean flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 1.5 lbs |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Gochujang (Korean chili paste) | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green onions (sliced) | 2 stalks |
| Sesame seeds (for garnish) | 1 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil (for cooking) | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
-
Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Add chicken thighs to the bowl and coat well. Let sit for at least 10 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor). -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. -
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Frequently Asked Questions: Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe
❓ Can I make this Korean BBQ chicken recipe without gochujang?
Yes! While gochujang adds authentic flavor, you can substitute with sriracha mixed with miso paste or chili garlic sauce for a similar kick.
❓ How long do leftovers last?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For optimal results, reheat in a skillet on low heat.
❓ Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium. You control the heat by adjusting the amount of gochujang. Want more spice? Add a dash of gochugaru or chili flakes.
❓ Can I grill this instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. Just marinate the chicken in the sauce, then grill over medium-high heat. Baste with extra sauce as it cooks for added flavor.
❓ Can I use store-bought Korean BBQ sauce?
Yes, but making your own gives you control over the flavors and ingredients. Homemade is always better for freshness and customization.
Final Thoughts: Bring Korean Flavor to Your Weeknight Table
This Korean BBQ chicken recipe proves that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. With just a few ingredients and a hot skillet, you can whip up something extraordinary in 20 minutes or less.
It’s savory, sweet, slightly spicy, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a meal for yourself or serving the entire family, this dish never disappoints.
Ready to try it?
Grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and give this Korean BBQ chicken recipe a shot tonight! Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe, leave a comment, or share it with your foodie friends.
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