Chicken Skewers with Korean BBQ Sauce

The aroma of sizzling chicken skewers fills the air as they cook over an open flame, tantalizing your taste buds with hints of sweet and spicy. This recipe for Chicken Skewers with Korean BBQ Sauce takes just a little over an hour to prepare, and it works brilliantly due to the flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with a delightful taste.

Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish appeals to anyone craving a umami-packed meal. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator to save time on busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These skewers are incredibly juicy with a smoky char from grilling.
• The marinade is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
• Prep and cooking take under an hour, making it quick and convenient.
• Each bite is bursting with complex flavors that are sure to impress.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients for this delicious chicken dish.

For the Marinade

• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

For the Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For Serving

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, sliced

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that adds heat and depth.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use boneless chicken thighs for more juiciness.
• Honey can be replaced with maple syrup.
• Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari for gluten-free.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers.

How to Make It

Start making flavorful chicken skewers with these simple steps.

Whisk the marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.

Marinate the chicken

Reserve some marinade for basting, then add the chicken to the bowl and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Prepare the skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling. Then, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.

Grill the skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks, brushing with reserved marinade while grilling.

Let them rest

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, best enjoyed fresh.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes on low.

Tips for Best Results

• Always reserve some marinade before adding chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Make sure the grill is hot before adding the skewers for better sear.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
• Enjoy with a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean experience.