If you love bold flavors with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory, this Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious marinade featuring gochujang, honey, garlic, and sesame oil get grilled to caramelized perfection, creating irresistible bites that burst with authentic Korean flair. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next barbecue, these skewers bring a delightful explosion of taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe is all in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from tenderizing the chicken and providing depth to building layers of flavor and texture that make every bite sing.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender during grilling, making them perfect for skewers.
- Bamboo skewers: Soaking them prevents burning and keeps your skewers sturdy.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): Adds that iconic spicy kick and rich umami base.
- Soy sauce (or tamari): Brings salty depth and balances sweetness with savory goodness.
- Honey or brown sugar: Gives a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to boost aroma and add pungent warmth.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty flavor that’s signature in Korean cooking.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a touch of acidity to brighten the marinade.
- Green onions: Both chopped into the marinade and used as a garnish for freshness and crunch.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for texture and an extra nutty punch.
- Optional cilantro: Adds a fresh herbal note if you want to mix things up.
How to Make Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and finely chopped green onions until smooth. This marinade is the heart of the Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe and combines spicy, sweet, tangy, and savory elements to infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces into the marinade and toss to coat each piece generously. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for a deeper flavor, letting it marinate overnight is truly the way to go. This step ensures every bite is packed with that rich, tangy, and slightly sweet taste you crave.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto soaked bamboo skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to help the chicken cook evenly and allow the edges to crisp up deliciously when grilled.
Step 4: Grill or Pan-Fry the Skewers
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through with that beautiful caramelized crust. For extra flavor and moisture, baste the skewers occasionally with any leftover marinade while grilling. The result is tender, smoky bites with an addictive glaze.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When the skewers are off the heat, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and more chopped green onions on top. These finishing touches add crunch, flavor, and vibrant color that elevate the dish and make every bite memorable.
How to Serve Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond sesame seeds and green onions, some freshly chopped cilantro can add an herbaceous brightness if you like a fresher twist. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a squeeze of lime juice over the skewers just before serving also amps up their flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These Korean Chicken Skewers shine alongside simple steamed rice, a light cucumber salad, or crisp kimchi to complement their spicy sweetness. You can keep it casual with grilled veggies or elevate your meal with a bowl of comforting Japchae noodles for a full Korean-inspired experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve them platter-style with dipping sauces like extra gochujang mixed with a touch of honey or creamy sriracha mayo. Wrapping skewered chicken in lettuce cups with rice and herbs is another fun way to enjoy them. The possibilities to impress and delight are endless once you master this Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these skewers longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To prevent sticking, wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat skewers gently on a grill pan or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to avoid drying them out. You can also re-baste with a little leftover marinade to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can substitute chicken breast, but thighs stay juicier and more tender, especially with this marinade and grilling method. If using breast, be careful not to overcook as it can dry out.
Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has a mild to moderate heat with a deep, slightly sweet and savory flavor. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount or balance it with more honey.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At minimum 30 minutes, but overnight marinating yields the best depth of flavor and tenderness in your Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe.
Do I need to soak bamboo skewers?
Yes, soaking prevents them from burning or catching fire during grilling, helping you have a smooth cooking process and perfectly grilled skewers.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe is a true celebration of flavors that’s surprisingly simple to make. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for these skewers again and again, whether for busy weeknights or entertaining friends. Go ahead, fire up that grill and enjoy the irresistible dance of sweet, spicy, and smoky bites that only these chicken skewers can deliver.
Print
Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Delicious Korean Chicken Skewers marinated in a flavorful blend of gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil, then grilled to perfection. These skewers offer a sweet, spicy, and smoky bite, perfect as a main dish or appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
Garnish
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Additional chopped green onions
- Optional: chopped cilantro for freshness
Equipment
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and finely chopped green onions until smooth and well blended to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking and easier grilling.
- Grill or Pan-Fry the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 4–5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and develops a caramelized crust. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the skewers. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast but expect slightly less juicy results.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Optional cilantro adds a fresh contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
- Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling to avoid burning due to the honey in the marinade.
