Chicken Bulgogi Recipe: A Flavorful Korean BBQ Chicken Delight

Chicken Bulgogi, also known as Dak Bulgogi (닭불고기), is a savory, slightly sweet Korean BBQ chicken dish packed with flavor. Marinated in a gochujang-based sauce, Chicken Bulgogi captures the essence of Korean flavors and is perfect for grilling, broiling, or pan-frying. Follow along to master this dish, complete with tips, substitutions, and serving ideas!

Whether you’re a beginner or a cooking enthusiast, this Chicken Bulgogi recipe will help you create a delicious Korean BBQ chicken right in your kitchen. The flavor profile is unique and irresistible, combining savory soy sauce, spicy gochujang, and a touch of sweetness that will keep you coming back for more!

What is Chicken Bulgogi?

Chicken Bulgogi, or Dak Bulgogi, is a Korean BBQ dish traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, but here we swap it out for juicy chicken thighs. Unlike Dakgalbi, which is often cooked with vegetables, Chicken Bulgogi is focused purely on the marinated chicken, making it an ideal option for quick weeknight dinners.

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Ingredient	Description	Substitute
Chicken Thighs	Boneless, skinless thighs work best for their tenderness and flavor.	Chicken breast (adjust cooking time)
Gochujang	Korean chili paste that adds depth, spice, and slight sweetness.	Sriracha mixed with a bit of sugar
Gochugaru	Korean chili flakes for additional heat, optional.	Crushed red pepper flakes
Soy Sauce	Adds a rich, savory taste.	Tamari or coconut aminos
Brown Sugar	Balances the spice with sweetness.	Honey or coconut sugar
Garlic and Ginger	Fresh minced garlic and ginger are essential for authentic flavor.	Garlic and ginger powder (use sparingly)
Sesame Oil	Adds a nutty aroma, enhancing the Korean BBQ flavor.	Olive oil with a touch of sesame seeds
Perilla Leaves	An aromatic Korean herb that complements the dish when used as garnish.	Basil or mint leaves
Sesame Seeds	Used as garnish for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.	Toasted sunflower seeds

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken.
• Meat Mallet: To tenderize the chicken.
• Baking Sheet with Cooling Rack: For broiling.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Serving Dish: To plate and serve the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken thighs between plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking and tenderness.

2. Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 3 tablespoons gochujang
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Korean corn syrup (or plain corn syrup for a glaze-like texture)

Mix until the marinade is smooth.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor.

4. Preheat the Oven for Broiling

Place the oven rack 5-6 inches from the heat source and preheat to broil.

5. Broil the Chicken

1. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a cooling rack on top.
2. Arrange marinated chicken pieces on the rack without overlapping.
3. Broil for 4-5 minutes per side, watching closely to avoid burning. The chicken is done when slightly charred and cooked through.

6. Slice and Serve

Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Arrange on a serving dish and garnish with thinly sliced perilla leaves and toasted sesame seeds.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

• Tenderizing the Chicken: Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and remain juicy.
• Broiling Tips: Broil the chicken on a high rack for a slight char, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Marination: For deeper flavor, allow the chicken to marinate longer, up to overnight in the fridge.
• Heat Adjustment: Adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting gochugaru if you prefer a milder dish.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If broiling isn’t possible, here are two alternative cooking methods:

Grilling

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Pan-Frying

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

Both methods will yield juicy, flavorful Chicken Bulgogi, so choose the one that works best for you!

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Bulgogi is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some popular ideas:

• Rice Bowl: Serve Chicken Bulgogi over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: Wrap chicken in fresh lettuce leaves with rice, perilla leaves, and a dollop of gochujang.
• Banchan (Korean Side Dishes): Add a few Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radishes, or stir-fried vegetables to complement the main dish.

Quick Recipe Variations

• Chicken Bulgogi Tacos: Use tortillas instead of rice for a fusion twist.
• Bulgogi Stir-Fry: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the pan-fried chicken.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	633 kcal
Protein	39g
Carbohydrates	21g
Fat	44g
Saturated Fat	11g
Sodium	607mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	13g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients and serving size.

Conclusion

Chicken Bulgogi is an ideal recipe for those looking to enjoy authentic Korean BBQ flavors at home. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe makes Korean cuisine accessible to all cooking skill levels. Whether you serve it with rice, in a wrap, or with Korean side dishes, this Chicken Bulgogi recipe is sure to be a hit!

Enjoy the process of making Chicken Bulgogi, and remember to share this recipe with friends and family looking to explore Korean flavors!