Chicken Bulgogi Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 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 is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Step 2: Slice the chicken into thin, even strips to ensure quick cooking and better flavor absorption. Toss the chicken strips in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
3. Step 3: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and caramelized around the edges.
4. Step 4: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference, or omit them for a milder dish.
• Try adding thinly sliced onions or bell peppers to the marinade for extra texture and flavor.
• Serve over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a traditional Korean-inspired meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier during cooking, making the dish even more flavorful.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 20 minutes is sufficient, but allowing it to marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator will deepen the flavors.

Chicken Bulgogi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 213 reviews

This Chicken Bulgogi recipe offers a deliciously savory and slightly sweet Korean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken strips marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then quickly pan-cooked to caramelized perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for an authentic finish.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 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 (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, sesame oil, chopped green onions, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin, even strips to ensure quick cooking and better flavor absorption. Toss the chicken strips thoroughly in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken strips in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to allow all sides to caramelize and the chicken to cook through thoroughly.
4. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, juicy, and flavorful.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level, or omit for a milder taste.
• Marinating longer enhances flavor but does not need to exceed 2 hours to prevent texture changes.
• Serve with steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for an authentic Korean experience.
• For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Keywords: Chicken Bulgogi, Korean chicken recipe, fast Korean dinner, marinated chicken, sesame chicken, Korean BBQ chicken