Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe

If you have a craving for something irresistibly flavorful and tender, this Korean BBQ Chicken will become your new favorite go-to recipe. Imagine succulent chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection, bathed in a symphony of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors that dance on your palate with every bite. Korean BBQ Chicken brings together the warmth of garlic and ginger, the richness of sesame oil, and the subtle heat from red pepper flakes—all beautifully balanced to make a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether served over rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Korean BBQ Chicken comes from using simple, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its bold and complex flavor profile. Every item—from the savory Tamari soy sauce to the touch of honey—adds depth, while fresh aromatics like garlic and green onions keep things vibrant and bright.

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides the perfect blank canvas for absorbing all those incredible flavors while remaining juicy and tender.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps gently cook the chicken during the slow cooking process.
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed: Gives a pungent, aromatic base that infuses the chicken with irresistible depth.
• 1/2 Tbsp chopped ginger: Brings a fresh, zesty kick and a touch of warmth to the dish.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a burst of color.
• Pinch of salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance all other ingredients.
• 1/4 cup Tamari soy sauce: Offers a rich umami backbone with a gluten-free twist compared to traditional soy sauce.
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Injects sweet heat that makes every bite exciting without overpowering.
• 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
• 1 Tbsp light brown sugar: Balances the spicy and savory notes with a gentle caramel undertone.
• 1 Tbsp honey: Enhances the glaze effect with natural sweetness and sticky texture.
• 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar (or rice vinegar): Provides a bright, slightly tangy contrast to the richness of the sauce.
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a luscious nutty aroma essential to Korean BBQ flavors.
• 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger: Layered ginger for that extra zing and aromatic lift.
• 1 tsp turmeric: Adds warmth and a subtle earthiness as well as a beautiful golden hue.
• 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper: Brings a bit of sharp heat and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Offers an eye-opening spark to awaken your taste buds.
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry): Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the chicken.
• Sesame seeds: A final garnish that adds crunch and a nutty finish.
• Baby carrots, thinly sliced: For freshness and subtle sweetness in the garnish.
• Shallots, thinly sliced: Adds crisp texture and mild onion flavor.
• Green onions: Brightens the dish with color and a gentle onion note.

How to Make Korean BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Slow Cook the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry to help them absorb the seasonings better. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, then place the chicken in your slow cooker alongside crushed garlic, chopped ginger, and green onions. Pour in the chicken broth, which will keep everything moist and juicy. Cover and let it cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to mingle deeply while the chicken becomes tender enough to shred with ease.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Drain Excess Liquid

Once the chicken is tender, shred it right in the slow cooker or transfer to a bowl using two forks. Remove any excess liquid to prevent the dish from becoming watery, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. This step sets the stage for soaking up the glorious sauce that comes next.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Korean BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the Tamari soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin, light brown sugar, honey, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk vigorously to create a perfectly balanced sauce that blends sweet, tangy, and spicy elements—this is where Korean BBQ Chicken’s signature flavor really comes alive.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Combine

Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the prepared sauce and whisk again until evenly combined. Pour this luscious sauce over the shredded chicken in your slow cooker and toss gently to coat every bite. Cover and cook on high for 30 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and latch onto the meat for a mouthwatering finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Your Korean BBQ Chicken is ready to shine! Garnish generously with sesame seeds, sliced shallots, green onions, and baby carrots for a delightful mix of colors, textures, and fresh flavors that complement the rich chicken perfectly.

How to Serve Korean BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing your Korean BBQ Chicken is key to elevating the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sesame seeds not only add crunch but also a toasty nuttiness. Thinly sliced shallots provide a subtle crunch and mild pungency, while fresh green onions bring brightness and a pop of green. Baby carrots lend a gentle sweetness and extra texture that keeps every bite interesting.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up all those saucy, savory juices. For a more vibrant meal, serve alongside sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy, or offer crunchy kimchi to add a traditional Korean twist bursting with probiotic goodness. You can also pop it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld option that’s fun and interactive.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Korean BBQ Chicken beyond the bowl by using it as a filling in tacos or wraps with crunchy cabbage slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Or pile it onto a salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing for a lighter take packed with flavor. The versatility makes this dish perfect for meal prep or a casual dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean BBQ Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the chicken completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your Korean BBQ Chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally to warm the sauce evenly without drying out the chicken. It’s just as delicious the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and stay juicy even longer, which some people prefer. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs might require slightly less time to become tender.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this on the stove in a covered pot on low heat. Cook the chicken in the broth with aromatics until tender, then shred and proceed with the sauce. It just takes a bit more attention but works well.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes and sweet chili sauce, but the heat level is quite balanced and can be adjusted easily by adding more or less red pepper flakes depending on your taste.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of Tamari?

Yes, regular soy sauce works just fine if you don’t have Tamari, but keep in mind Tamari is typically gluten-free and has a slightly richer, less salty taste.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Definitely. By using Tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and checking that your hoisin and chili sauces are gluten-free, you can enjoy this Korean BBQ Chicken without worry.

Final Thoughts

This Korean BBQ Chicken recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s deeply flavorful, easy to prepare, and versatile enough for any meal. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back for more of that tender chicken soaked in that luscious sauce. So grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a whirl—you’re going to love every single bite!

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