Delicious Chicken Bulgogi: Your Weekend BBQ Game Changer Recipe
Delicious Chicken Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean BBQ recipe featuring marinated boneless skinless chicken thighs grilled or cooked in a skillet. Perfect for weekend gatherings, this dish combines sweet and savory elements with garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame oil for an authentic taste. Serve with rice or lettuce wraps and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated fresh
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (coconut sugar as alternative)
- 2 tablespoons honey (maple syrup as vegan substitute)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or white wine and sugar mixture)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (chicken breasts can be substituted)
For Garnishing
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions (chives or shallots can be used)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the boneless skinless chicken thighs and pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, mirin, toasted sesame oil, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat or preheat your grill to medium. Cook the marinated chicken for about 2.5 minutes on each side in the skillet or grill for about 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked and internally reaching 165°F.
- Rest the chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest covered for around 10 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve and garnish: Slice the chicken and serve it with rice, lettuce wraps, or kimchi. Optionally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted but thighs provide more tenderness and flavor.
- Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly version of the marinade.
- Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Resting the chicken helps retain moisture and enhances texture.
- Serve with traditional Korean sides like kimchi or steamed rice for an authentic experience.
