There’s something truly special about food on a stick—it’s fun, easy to eat, and packed with bold flavors. These Korean Chicken Skewers bring the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy to your table. The tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a flavorful Korean-inspired sauce and grilled to perfection, creating a dish that’s slightly charred on the outside while remaining incredibly moist on the inside.
This recipe is perfect for backyard BBQs, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. Inspired by the popular Korean street food Dak-kkochi, these skewers have a deliciously sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine or just love trying new grilled recipes, these skewers will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep make this an easy weeknight meal.
- Bold and Flavorful: A perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
- Great for Grilling: Perfect for BBQs, summer cookouts, or even indoor grilling.
- Kid-Friendly: Adjust the spice level to make it more suitable for little ones.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8-10 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
How to Make Korean Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper. This marinade is packed with umami flavor and just the right amount of heat from the gochujang.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it sit for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred. Brush any leftover marinade onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the skewers are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a finishing touch. Serve hot with steamed rice, kimchi, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender than chicken breasts, making them ideal for grilling.
- Control the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the gochujang or substitute it with a milder chili paste.
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours or even overnight for deeper flavor.
- Indoor Cooking Option: No grill? No problem! You can cook these in a grill pan or bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: High-Protein
Notes
- Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes. For the best results, marinate for at least 2-3 hours or even overnight.
- Gochujang Substitutes: If you don’t have gochujang, you can use sriracha mixed with a bit of miso paste for a similar depth of flavor.
- Skewer Tips: If you’re using metal skewers, no soaking is needed, and they help the chicken cook more evenly.
- Make It a Meal: Serve these skewers with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Leftover Marinade: Do not use leftover marinade from raw chicken as a sauce unless you boil it for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria.
- Cooking Without a Grill: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These skewers make a great meal prep option—just cook a batch and store them in an airtight container for easy meals throughout the week.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze marinated, uncooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
- Reheating: Reheat the skewers on a grill or stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well too, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
2. What can I serve with Korean Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with steamed rice, kimchi, grilled vegetables, or even a side of Korean potato salad.
3. Can I cook these in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake the skewers at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the gochujang or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the skewers before grilling.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Korean Chicken Skewers, you might also enjoy:
- Wholesome Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Perfection
- Irresistible Street Corn and Chicken Bowl
- The Ultimate Chicken Enchiladas
Conclusion
Korean Chicken Skewers are a delicious way to enjoy bold flavors in a fun and easy-to-eat dish. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors in the summer or making them on a grill pan indoors, these skewers will be a hit at any meal. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out!
Would you pair these with rice or wrap them in lettuce for a fresh bite? Let me know in the comments!
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Korean Chicken Skewers
Description
There’s something truly special about food on a stick—it’s fun, easy to eat, and packed with bold flavors. These Korean Chicken Skewers bring the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy to your table. The tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a flavorful Korean-inspired sauce and grilled to perfection, creating a dish that’s slightly charred on the outside while remaining incredibly moist on the inside.
This recipe is perfect for backyard BBQs, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. Inspired by the popular Korean street food Dak-kkochi, these skewers have a deliciously sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine or just love trying new grilled recipes, these skewers will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8–10 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper. This marinade is packed with umami flavor and just the right amount of heat from the gochujang.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it sit for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred. Brush any leftover marinade onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the skewers are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a finishing touch. Serve hot with steamed rice, kimchi, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes. For the best results, marinate for at least 2-3 hours or even overnight.
- Gochujang Substitutes: If you don’t have gochujang, you can use sriracha mixed with a bit of miso paste for a similar depth of flavor.
- Skewer Tips: If you’re using metal skewers, no soaking is needed, and they help the chicken cook more evenly.
- Make It a Meal: Serve these skewers with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Leftover Marinade: Do not use leftover marinade from raw chicken as a sauce unless you boil it for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria.
- Cooking Without a Grill: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These skewers make a great meal prep option—just cook a batch and store them in an airtight container for easy meals throughout the week.
