Published May 04, 2018 Updated Sep 30, 2024
BBQ Chicken Korean Recipe
In recent years, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for Korean BBQ, and living in Southern California, I’m lucky to enjoy a wide range of fantastic Korean BBQ restaurants thanks to the large Korean community here. I love the endless variety of banchan (side dishes) such as Japchae, Spicy Korean Tofu, and Pajeon. One of my favorites is the chicken—perfectly marinated and grilled over the tabletop BBQ. It’s always so flavorful, juicy, and bursting with taste. I’m thrilled to have discovered an exceptional Korean BBQ chicken recipe in Fine Cooking magazine, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you. Trying this recipe at home allows me to bring a bit of that restaurant experience into my own kitchen. The marinade is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy, creating a deliciously balanced flavor. As I grill the chicken, the aroma fills the kitchen, reminding me of those great Korean BBQ meals. Enjoying it with some homemade banchan and a side of steamed rice, just like at my favorite Korean BBQ spot! For more restaurant-style Korean recipes, check out Spicy Korean Chicken and Bulgogi.
Chicken Ssam
For a truly authentic eating experience, serve the BBQ chicken thighs as a Korean lettuce wrap or Ssam. Ssam is a Korean term for a dish where various fillings are wrapped in leafy vegetables, typically lettuce or perilla leaves. The fillings can include grilled meats, such as beef or chicken, as well as a variety of condiments and side dishes. Ssam is often served with Ssamjang, a savory and slightly spicy dipping sauce made from a mixture of soybean paste (doenjang) and Korean red chili paste (gochujang), along with other ingredients like garlic, pickled daikon or carrot strips. My chicken ssam features flavorful grilled chicken with fresh lettuce leaves for a refreshing, appetizing meal. The juicy chicken, bursting with intense flavors, is perfectly complemented by Ssamjang sauce and steamed white rice. Sidenote: To enjoy, place a small spoonful of rice inside a lettuce leaf, add a piece of chicken, and top with Ssamjang, scallions, chili, and sesame seeds. Wrap it up and take a bite.
Korean BBQ Chicken Ingredients
My easy recipe calls for the following ingredients, plus Korean bbq chicken marinade: See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Korean BBQ Chicken
It takes only 3 simple steps to grill the chicken.
Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl, add chicken, and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Preheat the grill, oil the surface, and cook the chicken until golden brown and charred on both sides. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For a wholesome Korean meal at home, I recommend the following recipes: I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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Korean Spicy Chicken Stew Jjamppong (Korean Seafood Noodle Soup) Spicy Korean Chicken Wings
