Baked Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs

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This Baked Korean BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Korean-inspired sauce, then baked to perfection. Made with gochujang, garlic, honey, and sesame oil, this dish delivers the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and umami flavors. Serve it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8-10 thighs)

For the Marinade:

  • ½ cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
  • 4 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced

For Serving:

  • Sesame seeds
  • 4 stalks green onion, chopped
  • 1-2 limes, cut into wedges

Directions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix coconut aminos, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or bowl and coat them with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).
  3. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  4. Bake the chicken: Transfer the chicken and marinade to a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  5. Broil for crispiness: Spoon the pan juices over the chicken, then broil on high for 5-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. For best results, cook until the chicken reaches 180-190°F (82-88°C).
  6. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh lime wedges. Serve with rice or veggies, and drizzle with the pan juices.

Nutrients (Per serving, estimated)

  • Calories: 304
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Sodium: 476mg
  • Sugar: 5g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly Flavorful: The gochujang-based marinade creates a deep, smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the juicy chicken.
  • Easy to Make: With minimal prep and hands-off baking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Healthier Alternative to Takeout: Baked instead of fried, this dish delivers all the deliciousness of Korean BBQ without the extra oil or calories.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: The marinated chicken can be prepared in advance, making this a great recipe for batch cooking.
  • Versatile Pairing Options: Serve it with rice, noodles, roasted veggies, or even in lettuce wraps for a complete meal.

The Secret to Authentic Korean BBQ Flavor

The secret to achieving authentic Korean BBQ flavors in this baked chicken lies in the marinade. Traditional Korean BBQ (known as “bulgogi” when made with beef or “dak galbi” when made with chicken) relies on a perfect balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy elements. This marinade includes:

  • Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste): The heart of this recipe, gochujang brings deep umami, spice, and a hint of smokiness, making the sauce rich and flavorful.
  • Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce: These provide the savory, umami base, ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance out the heat of the gochujang.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Infuses the dish with nutty richness that enhances the Korean BBQ profile.
  • Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the marinade.
  • Garlic & Ginger: These essential aromatics bring warmth and depth to the dish, making the chicken taste complex and well-rounded.

Why Use Chicken Thighs?

This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and for good reason:

  • They stay juicy and tender. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, preventing them from drying out.
  • They absorb the marinade better. The richer texture of chicken thighs allows them to soak up all the delicious Korean BBQ flavors.
  • They crisp up beautifully when broiled. The natural fat in the thighs helps develop a slight char, mimicking the smokiness of grilled Korean BBQ.

If you prefer to use chicken breasts, just be mindful to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent dryness.

How to Get the Best Texture and Flavor

For the best baked Korean BBQ chicken, follow these key techniques:

  • Marinate for at Least 20 Minutes: While this dish can be made quickly, letting the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 20 minutes (or up to 12 hours) allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. The longer it marinates, the more intense and delicious the flavor will be.
  • Bake at a High Temperature: Cooking at 425°F (220°C) ensures that the chicken cooks quickly while caramelizing the marinade, locking in flavor.
  • Broil at the End for Extra Crispiness: For that signature Korean BBQ charred effect, broil the chicken for 5-8 minutes after baking. This helps create a glossy, caramelized finish similar to grilled BBQ chicken.
  • Spoon the Pan Juices Over the Chicken: Before serving, coat the chicken with its own thick, sticky sauce from the baking dish to enhance the flavor.

What to Serve with Baked Korean BBQ Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments to create a full Korean-inspired meal:

  • Steamed Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
  • Kimchi: A classic Korean side dish, kimchi adds a refreshing tang and slight heat to balance the rich, sweet flavors.
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms make a great pairing with the sticky BBQ chicken.
  • Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim): A refreshing, slightly spicy cucumber salad helps cut through the richness of the dish.
  • Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce cups with sesame seeds and scallions.
  • Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles): These stir-fried sweet potato noodles complement the sweet and savory notes of the chicken.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish is great for meal prep and can be easily stored and reheated for later meals.

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ways to tweak this recipe to fit your preferences:

  • Extra Spicy: Add 1-2 teaspoons of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or a splash of sriracha to increase the heat.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
  • Sweeter Flavor: If you prefer a milder dish, increase the honey or add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the marinade.
  • Grilled Version: Instead of baking, grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side for a smoky, BBQ-style dish.
  • Sticky BBQ Wings: Use this marinade on chicken wings instead of thighs for a fun appetizer.

Why This Baked Korean BBQ Chicken is a Must-Try

  • Bold, Authentic Flavors: The sweet, spicy, umami-packed marinade makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
  • Super Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for weeknight cooking.
  • Healthier Than Takeout: Baked instead of fried, this dish delivers big flavors with fewer calories and less oil.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Enjoy it with rice, veggies, noodles, or even in tacos and lettuce wraps.
  • Great for Meal Prep: The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Conclusion

This Baked Korean BBQ Chicken is a fantastic way to bring authentic Korean flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze, baked to perfection, and finished with a caramelized, sticky exterior that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or fresh cucumber salad, this dish delivers a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. Plus, with its easy prep and healthy ingredients, it’s a meal you can feel great about enjoying any night of the week.

Try this flavor-packed Korean BBQ chicken today and make it a new go-to recipe in your home!

 

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