Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors with these irresistible Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers. Perfectly balancing the spicy kick of gochujang with a luscious sweetness, these skewers promise a culinary adventure right in your backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice, this recipe is designed to deliver tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a delightfully sticky, caramelized glaze that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, embodying the vibrant essence of Korean cuisine in an accessible and delicious format.
As the weather warms and longer days invite outdoor cooking, these Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are poised to become your new summer sensation. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, marinated to perfection in a blend that offers both a gentle warmth and a captivating sweetness, sizzling over hot coals. Each bite is packed with incredible flavor and a good source of protein, making them not just delicious but also satisfying. They’re incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, and simple enough to prepare for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining.
If you’re expanding your grilling repertoire, don’t forget to explore other delightful skewer recipes. For a fantastic seafood option that’s equally easy and flavorful, consider trying these Grilled Shrimp Skewers.
Why These Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers Are a Must-Try
These Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers aren’t just another grilled chicken recipe; they’re a revelation. Here’s why this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your culinary rotation:
- An Unforgettable Sweet and Spicy Marinade: The heart of this dish lies in its incredible marinade, crafted primarily with Gochujang. This quintessential Korean chili paste brings a complex, savory, and spicy depth that is beautifully balanced by natural sweeteners like honey and brown sugar. The result is a marinade that tenderizes the chicken while building a gorgeous, sticky glaze as it grills. It’s a truly finger-licking experience that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
- Perfectly Succulent and Tender Chicken: Thanks to the thoughtfully blended marinade, the chicken absorbs moisture and flavor, ensuring every piece remains incredibly tender and juicy. The grilling process imparts a delightful smoky char, adding another layer of complexity to the texture and taste. You’ll be amazed at how consistently moist and flavorful each skewer turns out, avoiding any dry or bland bites.
- Effortless Grilling for Any Occasion: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is remarkably straightforward. The marinade comes together quickly in a food processor, requiring minimal effort. With a marination time as short as 30 minutes, you can have these skewers ready for the grill in no time. The simple grilling process makes them perfect for casual weeknight dinners or more elaborate summer barbecues, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking.
Essential Ingredients for Your Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Crafting these delectable skewers requires a blend of fresh ingredients and traditional Korean staples. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors:
- Chicken Tenders: Opt for high-quality chicken tenders for their lean texture and ability to absorb the marinade wonderfully. They are also convenient as they cook quickly and evenly on skewers. You can also cube chicken breasts or thighs if tenders are unavailable.
- Wooden Skewers: Essential for grilling. Remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: An optional but highly recommended garnish that adds a nutty crunch and authentic Korean flair to the finished dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley provides a vibrant color contrast and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors of the chicken.
- The Star Marinade Ingredients:
- Go-chu-jang (Korean Chili Paste): This is the cornerstone of the marinade, providing its signature sweet, spicy, and umami depth. Ensure you get a good quality paste, often found in Asian markets or the international aisle of larger supermarkets.
- Ripe Bartlett Pear: A unique ingredient that adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken. Its subtle fruitiness complements the other bold flavors.
- Sesame Oil: Contributes a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor, crucial for authentic Korean dishes.
- Raw Honey & Brown Sugar: These natural sweeteners create the beautiful sticky glaze and balance the heat of the gochujang, leading to delicious caramelization on the grill.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity, cutting through the richness and brightening the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Grated Ginger: Provides a pungent, warming spice that is characteristic of many Asian marinades.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Essential aromatics that offer a concentrated, savory flavor base to the marinade.
- Pepper Flakes: Allows for adjustable heat, letting you customize the spice level to your preference.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Making these flavorful skewers is a straightforward process, ensuring a delicious result every time. Follow these simple steps to bring this Korean-inspired dish to life:
- Prepare the Marinade: Begin by combining all the marinade ingredients – gochujang, pear, sesame oil, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper – in a food processor. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This step ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the chicken.
- Marinate and Assemble the Chicken: Cut the chicken tenders into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken into a bowl, pour the freshly blended marinade over it, and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Next, thread the marinated chicken onto your pre-soaked wooden skewers, aiming for 4-5 pieces per skewer for even cooking. Allow the assembled chicken skewers to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. If time permits, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the chicken skewers for approximately 4 minutes per side, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks. Meanwhile, take any leftover marinade from the bowl (ensure it has not touched raw chicken if you plan to use it as a finishing sauce directly) or a separate batch of sauce and warm it gently in a small saucepan until slightly thickened. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the warmed BBQ sauce generously onto the chicken skewers. Continue grilling for another minute per side to allow the sauce to caramelize and become wonderfully sticky.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove the Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers from the grill. Arrange them on a platter, then sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley for an inviting presentation and an extra layer of flavor and texture. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
Expert Tips for the Best Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Achieving perfectly cooked and flavorful Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers is easy with a few simple tips:
- Pre-Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, immerse them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This crucial step prevents them from burning and charring excessively on the grill, ensuring your chicken cooks evenly without the skewers disintegrating.
- Marinate for Optimal Flavor: While 30 minutes is the minimum suggested marination time, allowing the chicken to marinate for a longer duration, ideally 1-2 hours, will significantly enhance the depth of flavor. For even richer results, marinate overnight (up to 2 days) in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Ahead: These chicken skewers are excellent for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows you to quickly assemble and grill them when you’re ready, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Chicken Cuts: Don’t limit yourself to chicken tenders. This incredible Korean BBQ marinade works beautifully with various cuts of chicken. Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes. Adjust grilling times accordingly for thicker pieces.
- Utilize a Grill Lid: Cooking the chicken skewers with the grill lid closed will help trap heat and steam, allowing the chicken to cook faster and more evenly, while also keeping it moist and tender.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you crave extra heat, don’t hesitate to kick things up a notch! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely minced habanero peppers to the marinade for a bolder, spicier kick that truly awakens the palate.
- Prevent Sticking: Before placing the skewers on the grill, make sure to clean and coat the grill grates with a high-heat cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking and tearing when you flip or remove it, ensuring beautiful, intact skewers.
- Ensure Food Safety with a Meat Thermometer: For peace of mind and perfectly cooked chicken, always use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken piece (avoiding the skewer) and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safely cooked and wonderfully juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
What are the best side dishes to serve with Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers?
These BBQ glazed chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some fantastic ideas to complete your meal:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, plain steamed white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the chicken.
- Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken.
- Potato Salad: A comforting side that adds a hearty element, balancing the bold flavors of the main dish.
- Garden Salad: A light, crisp garden salad with a simple vinaigrette offers freshness and a healthy crunch.
- Avocado Mango Salad: The tropical sweetness of mango and creamy avocado would be a delightful counterpoint to the savory chicken.
- Avocado Corn Salad: A vibrant salad with sweet corn and creamy avocado, adding texture and freshness.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds a sweet and summery touch that complements BBQ flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or onions grilled alongside the chicken make for a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
What exactly is Gochujang sauce?
Gochujang is a cornerstone ingredient in Korean cuisine, celebrated for its unique flavor profile. It is a thick, reddish-brown, fermented chili paste, traditionally made from gochugaru (Korean chili powder), glutinous rice, meju (fermented soybean powder), yeotgireum (barley malt powder), and salt. The fermentation process gives gochujang a profound complexity: it’s simultaneously spicy, savory, and subtly sweet, with a distinctive umami depth that sets it apart from other chili pastes. Its versatility means it’s used in everything from marinades and dipping sauces to stews and stir-fries, providing a robust and multi-dimensional flavor. You can readily find gochujang in most well-stocked Asian grocery stores, Korean specialty shops, or increasingly, in the international aisle of larger conventional supermarkets.
Are there any good substitutes for Gochujang sauce?
While gochujang offers a unique and irreplaceable flavor, if you find yourself without it, a few substitutes can provide a similar (though not identical) sweet and spicy kick. Sriracha is a commonly accessible option, providing heat and a touch of sweetness. However, sriracha tends to be thinner in consistency and lacks the fermented, savory depth of gochujang. A closer alternative in terms of texture and a more nuanced flavor would be Thai chili paste (often found as “chili paste with holy basil” or “nam prik pao”), which also offers a rich, complex heat. You might need to adjust the sweetness with a little honey or brown sugar if using Thai chili paste, as its sweetness level can vary.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers and are eager to discover more exciting ways to prepare chicken, we have a variety of recipes that are sure to impress. From savory to spicy, and comforting to exotic, there’s a chicken dish for every mood and occasion:
- Spicy Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli
- Easy Sticky Chicken Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
We truly hope you enjoy every recipe we share, especially these incredibly flavorful Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers. We encourage you to try this recipe, savor its delightful flavors, and share your experience. Your feedback means the world to us!
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Print Recipe
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Mariam Ezzeddine
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
30 minutes
8 servings
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs chicken tenders , 1 inch cubes
- wooden skewers
- sesame seeds, toasted, optional
- fresh parsley, chopped, optional
Marinade
- 1/2 cup go-chu-jang sauce, sweet and spicy
- 1/2 cup bartlette pear, ripe, cubed (1 small pear)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsps raw honey
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 2 tbsps rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp ginger, grated, fresh
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper flakes, or less to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cube the chicken tenders into 1-inch cubes and set aside in a bowl.
- In a small food processor, process all the marinade ingredients until you have a smooth liquid texture.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat well.
- Assemble the skewers, ideally 4-5 pieces per skewer (or more depending on your skewers, but this will result in fewer skewers).
- You can allow this to marinate for 30 minutes if you have time, or longer for more flavor.
- Meanwhile, prepare your BBQ sauce for basting. If you’re using fresh marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken, pour it into a small saucepan and simmer on low heat until the liquid thickens up. This thickened sauce will be used to rub the chicken right before they come off the grill. (Alternatively, if using the raw chicken marinade, boil it vigorously for several minutes to ensure food safety before using as a finishing sauce, or simply use a fresh batch of sauce for basting).
- Grill the chicken on each side for 4 minutes on medium heat. Rub the skewers generously with the prepared BBQ sauce and cook for another minute on each side to caramelize the glaze.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve on a platter or dish. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top along with some chopped parsley for garnishing.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Marinate for 30 minutes for good flavor, or longer (up to 2 days in the fridge) for a more intense taste.
- Chicken can be marinated and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before grilling.
- You can use this marinade on any kind of chicken cut (breasts, thighs, or wings), cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Chicken will cook faster and remain juicier when covered with a grill lid during cooking.
- Add cayenne or habanero peppers to the marinade to make them spicier according to your preference.
- Coat the grill grates with some vegetable oil before cooking to avoid the chicken from sticking and tearing when you remove it.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. Insert it into the thickest part of a chicken piece, and it should read 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 8g |
Protein: 30g |
Fat: 6g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 91mg |
Sodium: 712mg |
Potassium: 564mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 7g |
Vitamin A: 141IU |
Vitamin C: 13mg |
Calcium: 10mg |
Iron: 1mg