These Easy Korean Chicken Skewers are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, they grill up quickly for a satisfying meal.
These skewers always make me feel like a grilling pro, even if I’m just using my backyard! Serve them with rice or veggies for a tasty feast that everyone loves! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless thighs for juicy skewers, but you can easily use chicken breasts if that’s what you have. Just note that breasts can dry out more quickly, so don’t overcook them.
Gochujang: This gives the skewers their signature heat and sweetness. If you can’t find it, a mix of sriracha and miso can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be different.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both add sweetness to balance the spice. You can use maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer a different type of sweetener.
Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use a neutral oil, but the taste won’t be quite the same. Toasted sesame oil is best for its flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken skewers is the marinade! Allow the chicken to soak up those tasty flavors for at least 30 minutes—up to four hours is even better. The longer, the tastier!
- Mix your marinade in a bowl and make sure it’s well combined.
- After adding the chicken, cover it and pop it in the fridge.
- For even cooking, make sure to cut the chicken pieces uniformly.
When grilling, aim for medium-high heat and watch them closely to avoid charring. Finally, a quick brush of leftover marinade adds extra flavor right before serving!
Easy Korean Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating and about 10-15 minutes for grilling. So, total time from prep to table is around 1 hour. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. This flavorful marinade is what gives the chicken its delicious taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well, ensuring that each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have time—this helps the chicken soak in all those amazing flavors!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. If using bamboo skewers, ensure they have been soaked to prevent burning. Try to leave a little space between the chicken pieces for even cooking.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Turn them occasionally to ensure they’re evenly cooked and have a slightly charred appearance. The chicken should be fully cooked and juicy!
5. Finish and Garnish:
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the heat. If desired, brush them with any leftover marinade or additional gochujang sauce for an extra punch of flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot alongside steamed rice, kimchi, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your flavorful, tender Korean chicken skewers, and relish the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes!
FAQ for Easy Korean Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts! Just be mindful that breasts may dry out more easily, so avoid overcooking them. Regularly check for doneness and remove them from the grill as soon as they’re no longer pink inside.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken cubes a day in advance. Simply keep the marinated chicken in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This allows the flavors to deepen and develop even more!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either use the microwave or reheat them in a grill pan over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of water can help keep them moist!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bell Pepper?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite bell peppers or even use vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken for even cooking.
