Description
Delight in this flavorful Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken recipe that combines tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and spicy honey-soy glaze with gochujang for an authentic Korean BBQ experience. Perfectly charred on the grill and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this dish is a quick and delicious main course ideal for any weeknight or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: additional sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for grilling the chicken to achieve a nice char.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, shaking off excess. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and has nicely charred grill marks.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Then slice into desired portions.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced chicken generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Optionally, add extra sesame seeds and green onions for presentation. Serve immediately with steamed rice and kimchi if desired.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, baste the chicken with leftover marinade during grilling, but be sure to boil the marinade first to ensure it is safe to use.
- You can substitute chicken breast for a leaner option, but chicken thighs provide more moisture and richer flavor.
- Pair this dish with steamed rice, kimchi, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded Korean-inspired meal.
- Marinating time can be extended up to 4 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
