Chicken Bulgogi Recipe

 

This Chicken Bulgogi recipe turns a handful of pantry staples into a sizzling, saucy weeknight favorite. Thinly sliced chicken soaks up a sweet soy garlic marinade that caramelizes beautifully in a hot skillet, creating juicy edges and glossy sauce. It is fast enough for busy evenings but elegant enough to impress guests. Try pairing it with simple rice and quick pickles or explore other ideas like this apple brie stuffed chicken for a special meal.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe is a great pick when you want big flavor without a lot of fuss. The short marinade time means you get deep flavor in as little as 20 minutes while an optional longer rest allows the soy and ginger to penetrate more. The method needs minimal equipment so cleanup is a breeze and the cooking is quick enough to keep the chicken juicy. Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. If you love bold glazed chicken, you might also enjoy trying these baked peanut butter jelly chicken wings for a playful twist on saucy poultry.

Flavor and Texture

Garlic and fresh ginger give the dish a vibrant aromatic foundation while brown sugar or honey brings a warm caramel sweetness that helps the edges char. Sesame oil adds a nutty perfume that ties the flavors together and chopped green onions lift the profile with a bright, crisp note. Thin slicing makes every bite tender and allows the marinade to cling so you get uniform flavor and quick caramelization. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch and visual contrast to the glossy chicken.

Ingredients

* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten free
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 green onions, chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes optional
* Toasted sesame seeds
* Extra chopped green onions

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, chopped green onions, black pepper, and optional chili flakes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
2. Slice the chicken into thin, even strips for quick cooking and enhanced flavor absorption.
3. Toss the chicken strips in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
5. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat and place the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized around the edges.
6. Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions, and serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Tips for Best Results

Use an even thin slice for the chicken so the heat pierces the meat quickly and gives you more browning and less dryness. If you want more sauce, reserve a little of the marinade before adding raw chicken and whisk it into the pan at the end to glaze. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a few seconds until aromatic to boost visual appeal and crunch. Adjust the sweet element to suit your taste by shifting between brown sugar and honey. For extra depth, add a splash of low sodium soy sauce or a pinch more fresh ginger.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve moisture or warm in the oven covered with foil. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 hours before cooking for maximum flavor. For meal prep, portion over rice bowls with fresh greens and a wedge of lime.

Final Thought

This chicken bulgogi balances sweet, savory, and aromatic notes while staying simple enough for weeknights. It delivers restaurant style flavor with home kitchen ease. Keep the pantry staples on hand and this will become a reliable favorite.

FAQ

Conclusion

If you want a concise guide and extra tips for classic flavors, this version hits the mark and is easy to adapt. For another take and serving ideas, see this detailed write up on [Chicken Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Chicken) | Beyond Kimchee].

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