Chicken Bulgogi Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Korean Dish
Overview
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal, this Chicken Bulgogi recipe is the perfect solution. The marinated chicken is packed with savory flavors, with a spicy kick from the gochujang sauce.
This dish is great for a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering. You can serve it over rice or add some vegetables for added texture. Whether you grill, pan-fry, or cook it in an air fryer, this simple recipe delivers fantastic results.
Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to cook, making it a fast and delicious meal that fits into even the busiest weeks. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it one of the tastiest meals you’ll enjoy this year.
You can modify this recipe with different proteins if you love barbecues or pork bulgogi. This dish can be prepped, stored in the fridge or freezer, and cooked when needed—making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bulgogi Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Simple preparation and fast cooking time
✔ Flavor-Packed – A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors
✔ Versatile – Serve with rice, lettuce wraps, or stir-fried veggies
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly – Make ahead, store, and reheat whenever needed
✔ Customizable – Swap chicken for pork, beef, or tofu for Variety
Ingredients for Chicken Bulgogi
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into thin strips
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Marinade Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ inch fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 stalk green onion, chopped
- 3-4 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp corn syrup (mullet)
Garnishes & Additional Flavor
- 1 ripe kiwi, peeled and mashed
- 1 small onion, peeled and blended
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Perilla leaves (kkaennip), sliced thin
- Toasted sesame seeds
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
To prepare the marinade, combine soy sauce, garlic, onion, brown sugar, and vinegar in a large bowl until well combined. Mix in gochujang (Korean chili paste) for that signature spicy kick, and add corn syrup for sweetness. Once your marinade is ready, place the chicken pieces in a bag or an airtight container, then pour the marinade over them. Let the meat marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, but overnight would be best for deep flavor infusion.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Grill Method
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly charred.
Pan-Fry Method
- Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until crispy and caramelized.
Baking Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated chicken evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot over a bowl of steamed rice.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Garnish with perilla leaves or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables, kimchi, or a fresh salad.
How to Store & Reheat Chicken Bulgogi
Storing Instructions
- Refrigeration: Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled chicken in a ziplock bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a small amount of oil to a skillet and reheat over medium heat until crispy.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly heated.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy texture.
Tip: Always reheat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Chicken Bulgogi Recipe: (FAQs)
Q1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! While chicken thighs are juicier, chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
Q2. Is Chicken Bulgogi spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level due to the gochujang and gochugaru. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less gochujang.
Q3. Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with honey maple syrup or omit it for a less sweet version.
Q4. What side dishes go well with Chicken Bulgogi?
It pairs well with steamed rice, kimchi, cucumber salad, stir-fried veggies, or a simple green salad.
Q5. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 1 hour for best results, but overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
Chicken Bulgogi is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish for any occasion. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, its bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. You can create a restaurant-quality Korean dish home with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, its make-ahead and freezer-friendly options make it perfect for meal prep. Try it today and enjoy this Korean favorite’s rich, spicy-sweet flavors!”
Try This Chicken Bulgogi Recipe Today! 🍗🔥
✅ Follow this recipe and enjoy a delicious Korean-inspired meal at home!
✅ Have questions or cooking tips? Leave a comment below!
✅ Share this recipe with friends and family who love bold, flavorful dishes!
Start cooking today and enjoy the rich, spicy-sweet flavors of Chicken Bulgogi! 🥢🔥
Chicken Bulgogi Recipe
Equipment
- Grill or oven (depending on your choice of cooking method)
- Skillet (for frying)
- Large bowl (for mixing marinade)
- Bag or airtight container (for marinating)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Microwave or stove (for reheating, if necessary)
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
- 5 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
- Marinade
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- 3 tbsp of Korean chili paste gochujang
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tbsp of sesame oil
- ½ inch of fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne
- ¼ black pepper
- 1 tbsp of gochugaru Korean chili flakes
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 3-4 tbsp of mirin
- 1 tablespoon of corn syrup mulyeot
- Garnishes and Additional Flavor
- Perilla leaves kkaennip, sliced thin
- Toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup of mirin
- 1 ripe kiwi peeled
- 1 small onion peeled
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
Instructions
- Preparing the Marinade
- Whisk together a marinade in a large bowl.
- Combine soy sauce, garlic, onion, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar for a balanced flavor.
- Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy kick and corn syrup for sweetness.
- Place chicken pieces in a bag or airtight container and pour the marinade over them.
- Let the meat marinate in the fridge for at least one hour, or ideally overnight for better flavor infusion.
- Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or oven before cooking.
- For grilling, maintain a low temperature to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- If baking, place marinated chicken pieces on a sheet and bake at 375°F until golden brown.
- For a crispy caramelized crust, fry the chicken in a skillet with a bit of oil.
- The fried chicken will have a crunchy exterior and remain juicy and tender on the inside.
- Serving Suggestions
- Serve the chicken immediately, or wrap it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, healthy option.
- Garnish with perilla leaves or sesame seeds to add extra texture and flavor.
- For a complete meal, pair it with veggies or rice to balance the spicy flavors.
- Enjoy your homemade, juicy Chicken Bulgogi!
- Time to Cook and Prepare:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (for marinating)
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes if marinated for an hour, or longer if left overnight.
