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Korean Chicken Skewers

Korean Chicken Skewers

Korean Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a balanced blend of savory, sweet, and spicy Korean flavors. Perfectly suited for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, these skewers are ideal for gatherings, snacking, or as a main course. Customize the spice level and cooking method to suit your taste and enjoy a delicious taste of Korean cuisine at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks

Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Garnish

  • Chopped green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Extra sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized chunks or strips that easily slide onto skewers. This ensures even cooking and helps the marinade penetrate every piece.
  2. Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce or tamari, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey or brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined for a balanced blend of sweet, salty, spicy, and nutty flavors.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, though marinating overnight is best to maximize flavor infusion.
  4. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
  5. Cook the Skewers: Grill the skewers over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until the edges are charred and the chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or pan-fry until golden and fully cooked.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the cooked skewers. Optionally, drizzle with a little extra sesame oil before serving for added fragrance and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
  • Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and tenderness, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
  • Leave space between pieces on skewers to ensure even cooking and heat circulation.
  • Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the marinade’s sugar content.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean chicken skewers, gochujang chicken, grilled chicken skewers, Korean BBQ chicken, spicy chicken skewers, gluten-free chicken skewers