Korean Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish made with tender grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. This easy Korean Chicken recipe combines garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar for a perfectly balanced glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
If you love juicy chicken with deep umami flavor and a hint of spice, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor
- Quick marinade made with pantry staples
- Perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking
- Family-friendly and meal-prep approved
- Naturally halal-friendly
This Korean Chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast in a zip-top bag and gently pound to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, apple sauce, chopped onion, sesame oil, grated ginger, brown sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame seeds.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the bag. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade. Grill chicken for 2–3 minutes per side or until it releases easily from the grill and develops grill marks.
- Spoon the reserved marinade over each piece and grill for another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C).
- Garnish Korean Chicken with extra sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- No grill? Cook in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add a spoon of gochujang (ensure halal-friendly).
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, dairy-free
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
- Add kimchi or cucumber salad on the side for contrast.
- Great for wraps or rice bowls the next day.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 8 g
FAQ
Can I bake Korean Chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat. Omit red pepper flakes for a fully mild version.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work very well and stay juicy.
Is this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but up to 8 hours for stronger flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Korean Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp sesame seeds plus more for garnish
- 2 scallions thinly sliced (white and green parts)
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast in a zip-top bag and gently pound to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, apple sauce, chopped onion, sesame oil, grated ginger, brown sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame seeds.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the bag. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade. Grill chicken for 2–3 minutes per side or until it releases easily from the grill and develops grill marks.
- Spoon the reserved marinade over each piece and grill for another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C).
- Garnish Korean Chicken with extra sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Conclusion
Korean Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful grilled chicken recipe that balances sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes perfectly. With its rich marinade and caramelized finish, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer grilling. Once you try it, it will quickly earn a regular spot in your rotation.