Name: Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); Wooden or metal skewers

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Short description

These Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers feature tender, marinated pieces of chicken grilled to perfection with a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a flavorful family dinner—bite‑sized, juicy, and full of umami goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, thanks to a marinade with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Each skewer delivers tender, juicy chicken with the unmistakable aroma of Korean barbecue, yet it’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight. Plus, grilling adds a smoky char that elevates every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite‑sized pieces
soy sauce
brown sugar or honey
garlic, minced
fresh ginger, minced
sesame oil
gochujang (Korean chili paste) or gochugaru (chili flakes), optional
rice vinegar or mirin
vegetable oil or neutral oil
sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
wooden or metal skewers

directions

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, optional gochujang or gochugaru, rice vinegar or mirin, and a splash of oil.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–3 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium‑high heat.
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill skewers for about 4–5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.
Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: Yields approximately 4 servings (around 4–6 skewers per person)
Prep time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
Marinating time: 30 minutes to 3 hours
Cook time: About 10 minutes
Total time: Around 50 minutes to 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on marinating duration

Variations

Spicy version: Increase the amount of gochujang or add gochugaru for more heat.
Vegetable skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skewers for a veggie mix.
Teriyaki twist: Replace gochujang with teriyaki sauce and remove chili for a milder, sweeter version.
Honey‑lime twist: Add lime juice and zest to the marinade for a citrusy note.
Pineapple glaze: Brush pineapple juice or crushed pineapple onto chicken during grilling for a tropical sweetness.

storage/reheating

To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To freeze: Wrap skewers or chicken pieces tightly and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
- Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C) and bake skewers for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook leftover chicken skewers for several minutes until warm.
- Grill or grill pan: Reheat on medium heat for a few minutes per side for that grilled flavor.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for skewers?

You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts; thighs remain juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal?

Yes, just soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.

Do I have to marinate for several hours?

No, but marinating for at least 30 minutes helps develop flavor. A 2–3 hour marinade yields deeper taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten‑free?

Absolutely. Use tamari or a gluten‑free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

How spicy will these skewers be?

Mild heat if using gochugaru; medium if using a moderate amount of gochujang; adjust to taste. Skip chili entirely for mild flavor.

Can I substitute honey for brown sugar?

Yes, honey works well and adds a floral sweetness. Adjust other liquid ingredients slightly if needed.

Can I use the grill indoors?

Yes, a grill pan or indoor electric grill works great—just ensure good ventilation.

What should I serve alongside these skewers?

Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Can I prepare skewers ahead of time?

You can thread and marinate skewers up to 24 hours ahead; keep them refrigerated until ready to grill.

How do I adjust for more servings?

Scale all quantities proportionally. Marinate in a larger bowl or divided containers, and cook in batches if needed.

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers deliver bold, satisfying flavor that’s both simple and impressive—ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining. With flexible marinade ingredients and grilling simplicity, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!