Get ready to fire up the grill for these incredible Korean BBQ chicken skewers! This recipe brings all the delicious, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of authentic Korean BBQ right to your backyard, but in a super easy, weeknight-friendly format. Marinated in a simple yet incredibly flavorful Asian BBQ sauce, these chicken skewers are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts.
Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a lively cookout with friends, or just craving something truly tasty, these skewers are the perfect choice. They’re quick to prepare, fun to eat, and packed with an irresistible umami punch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how you can effortlessly create this crowd-pleasing dish.
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 55 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Korean BBQ chicken skewers are marinated in a savory and sweet Asian BBQ sauce, then grilled to perfection. They are quick to prepare, fun to eat, and packed with an irresistible umami punch, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly on the grill.
2. Whisk the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, gochujang (if using), and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade, tossing to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. If you’re using wooden skewers, this is a good time to soak them in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended): While the chicken marinates, pour about half of the marinade into a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan with the reserved marinade. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. This will be your delicious Asian BBQ dipping or basting sauce.
5. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Discard any remaining marinade that touched the raw chicken.
6. Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400 F / 200 C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill.
7. Cook to Perfection: Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F (74 C). If desired, you can baste the skewers with some of the thickened sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor and glaze.
8. Serve Hot: Remove the cooked skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with the reserved thickened Asian BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 skewers per person
Keywords: korean bbq, chicken skewers, grilled chicken, asian bbq, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken thighs, gochujang, marinade, grilling
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly, making it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the complex flavors of Korean BBQ without spending hours in the kitchen or needing specialized ingredients. The marinade comes together in minutes, and the grilling process is straightforward, ensuring a delicious result every time. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and flavorful but don’t have a lot of time. Families especially love these skewers because they’re fun to eat, and the chicken comes out tender and juicy, appealing to even the pickiest eaters. You can serve them as a main course with rice and a simple side salad, or as an appetizer at your next gathering. The balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice in the Asian BBQ sauce is truly addictive, making this a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful and stress-free cooking experience. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste), optional, for a little heat
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water if wooden
When it comes to the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often preferred for grilling because they stay juicier and more tender than breasts. However, chicken breasts work perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. For the soy sauce, using a low-sodium version helps control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing the other flavors to shine. Gochujang is a fantastic addition if you enjoy a touch of heat and authentic Korean flavor, but it’s completely optional if you prefer a milder taste. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute, though fresh offers a brighter flavor.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
Getting these delicious skewers on your plate is surprisingly quick, making them perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (this includes cutting the chicken and mixing the marinade)
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (the longer, the more flavor, but 30 minutes works in a pinch)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes (depending on marinating time)
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled Korean BBQ chicken skewers.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly on the grill.
- Whisk the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, gochujang (if using), and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade, tossing to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. If you’re using wooden skewers, this is a good time to soak them in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended): While the chicken marinates, pour about half of the marinade into a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan with the reserved marinade. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. This will be your delicious Asian BBQ dipping or basting sauce.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Discard any remaining marinade that touched the raw chicken.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill.
- Cook to Perfection: Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If desired, you can baste the skewers with some of the thickened sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor and glaze.
- Serve Hot: Remove the cooked skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with the reserved thickened Asian BBQ sauce for dipping.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
These Korean BBQ chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions.
For a more complete meal, you can thread bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), red onion slices, or even pineapple chunks onto the skewers along with the chicken. These vegetables will cook beautifully alongside the chicken and add extra flavor and nutrition. If you have picky eaters, you can make some skewers plain with just chicken, and others with veggies for the adults.
Kid-friendly options include cutting the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces and ensuring the sauce isn’t too spicy (omit the gochujang). Kids often love the fun of eating food off a stick!
For a party or buffet setting, you can serve these skewers on a large platter, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. They’re excellent as an appetizer or as part of a larger spread. Consider serving them with a side of fluffy white rice, a simple cucumber salad, or kimchi for an authentic Korean experience.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, these skewers can also be cooked on an indoor grill pan or even baked in the oven. For oven baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. For extra char, you can finish them under the broiler for a few minutes.
Optional toppings and dips can elevate the experience. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, fresh chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo can add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will ensure your Korean BBQ chicken skewers turn out perfectly every time.
One frequent mistake is not soaking wooden skewers before grilling. If you skip this step, your skewers will likely burn and break on the grill, making it difficult to turn and serve the chicken. Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use.
Overcrowding the grill is another common issue. When too many skewers are packed onto the grill at once, the temperature drops, and the chicken steams rather than grills, preventing those desirable char marks and crispy edges. Grill in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat and achieve proper browning.
Overcooking the chicken can lead to dry, tough skewers. Chicken thighs are more forgiving, but breasts can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pull them off the grill as soon as they hit this temperature.
Not discarding used marinade that has touched raw chicken is a food safety concern. Always discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. If you want extra sauce for basting or dipping, always reserve some
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
