Korean Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor and are super fun to eat! Marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, these grill-perfect bites are sure to make everyone smile.
They’re easy to whip up for a party or just a cozy night in. Trust me, you’ll be wanting extras—who can resist that juiciness? 😄 Enjoy these with some rice for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Thighs: They’re juicy and flavorful! If you prefer, chicken breasts work too, though they can dry out more easily. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu cut into cubes.
Soy Sauce: This gives the skewers a salty flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. For a vegan twist, try coconut aminos!
Gochujang: This spicy chili paste adds depth. If you can’t find it, you could mix red pepper flakes with a bit of miso paste as a substitute, but it won’t be as rich.
Sesame Oil: It brings a nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, try avocado oil for sautéing, but add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that toasty taste in the end.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh is best for these aromatics. Powdered versions can work in a pinch, but the flavors won’t be as strong. I always recommend using fresh when possible.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is essential to make your chicken skewers shine! Start by mixing the marinade ingredients well. It’s a good idea to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but for even better flavor, aim for 2 hours. The longer, the better!
- Make sure the chicken is fully coated by tossing it in the marinade. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a zip-top bag.
- Refrigerate during marination to keep it fresh. A zip-top bag also helps prevent extra cleanup!
- For a little added flavor, you can pierce the chicken pieces with a fork, which lets the marinade seep in deeper.
How to Make Korean Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 40 minutes in total—30 minutes for marinating the chicken and around 10-15 minutes for grilling. If you have extra time, letting the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours will give more flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir until everything is well combined and you have a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to make sure all the chicken is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This helps to get a nice sear on the chicken once it’s time to cook!
4. Prepare the Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave some space between each piece. This allows for even cooking and better grill marks.
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and get those delicious grill marks. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken is done cooking, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the skewers for a nice garnish. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a mix of gochujang or soy sauce. Enjoy your flavorful Korean chicken skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster, so check for doneness a little earlier.
What Can I Substitute for Gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute with a mixture of miso paste and a little bit of chili powder or hot sauce. Adjust the quantities to suit your heat preference, as gochujang has a unique sweetness and depth of flavor!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
To store leftovers, place the cooled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently on the grill or in the oven until heated through, which will help restore some of the original texture.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, add the chicken and proceed as directed. This makes for a quick dinner option!
