Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are a delicious and vibrant dish perfect for any gathering. These skewers combine tender chicken marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, grilled to perfection. They are not only flavorful but also versatile, making them great for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these skewers are sure to impress your guests with their unique taste and presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these skewers in no time.
- Flavorful Marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors.
- Grill or Oven Friendly: Perfect for outdoor grilling or baking in the oven, making it suitable for all seasons.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or substitute proteins for a unique twist.
- Great for Meal Prep: These skewers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, perfect for quick meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or oven
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for holding the chicken and any veggies together while cooking.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with flavor.
- Grill or oven: Provides versatile cooking options, allowing you to achieve that perfect char and tenderness.
- Basting brush: Helps apply extra marinade during cooking for enhanced flavor and moisture.

Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken breast fillets
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
For the Garnish
- Green onions (chopped)
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the chicken breast fillets, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken from the fridge. Thread pieces onto the skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired.
Step 3: Cook the Skewers
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
- Place skewers on the grill or a baking sheet if using an oven.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
Step 4: Serve
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers!
How to Serve Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Crisp Cucumber Slices – Refreshing and crunchy, cucumbers provide a perfect contrast to the savory chicken.
- Shredded Carrots – Add a pop of color and sweetness with fresh shredded carrots on the side.
- Grilled Bell Peppers – Sweet and smoky, grilled bell peppers complement the flavors of the skewers beautifully.
On a Bed of Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Light and fragrant, jasmine rice absorbs the delicious marinade from the chicken.
- Brown Rice – For a healthier twist, serve your skewers on nutty brown rice for added fiber.
- Vegetable Fried Rice – A colorful mix of veggies in fried rice makes for a satisfying base for your Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers.
With Dipping Sauces
- Spicy Gochujang Sauce – This Korean chili paste sauce adds heat and depth to each bite.
- Sesame Soy Sauce – A simple yet flavorful soy sauce infused with sesame oil enhances the skewers’ taste.
- Peanut Sauce – Creamy and rich, peanut sauce offers a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
How to Perfect Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
To ensure your Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are incredibly flavorful and tender, follow these simple tips.
- Marinate Overnight – Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances its flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Use Skewers Soaked in Water – Soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Preheat Your Grill – Ensuring your grill is hot before cooking helps create those beautiful char marks while locking in moisture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers – Leaving space between pieces allows for even cooking and better caramelization of flavors.
- Baste While Grilling – Basting with leftover marinade during grilling keeps the chicken juicy and adds extra flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Pairing delicious side dishes with your Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers will elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Kimchi – This fermented vegetable dish adds tanginess and spice that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Korean Potato Salad – Creamy with a hint of sweetness, this salad balances out the savory flavors of the skewers.
- Pickled Radishes – These crunchy bites provide a refreshing contrast and help cleanse the palate between bites.
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits to your plate.
- Asian Slaw – A crunchy mix of cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame vinaigrette provides texture and flavor.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup is soothing and pairs well as a light starter before enjoying skewers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- When making Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers, avoid using frozen chicken. Fresh chicken ensures better flavor and texture, so opt for fresh cuts.
- Ignoring marination time is a common mistake. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Overcrowding the skewers can lead to uneven cooking. Use only a few pieces of chicken per skewer to ensure they cook thoroughly.
- Skipping the grill preheating is a mistake that can affect your skewers. Preheat your grill for better searing and flavor.
- Not checking for doneness is crucial. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through, but this may affect texture.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are grilled or broiled skewers of marinated chicken, often served with dipping sauces and sides.
How do I make my Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers more flavorful?
You can enhance flavor by using fresh herbs, adding chili paste, or incorporating sesame oil into your marinade.
Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute beef for chicken in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut used.
How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Are there vegetarian options for Korean BBQ Skewers?
Absolutely! You can use tofu or assorted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini as alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be customized with different marinades and vegetables, making them suitable for various tastes. Try them today, and enjoy a flavorful meal that’s perfect for gatherings!
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine to your dinner table. These skewers feature tender chicken marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, then grilled or baked to perfection. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, these skewers can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also allow for customization with your favorite vegetables and dipping sauces. Impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with this delightful recipe that showcases the irresistible taste of Korean BBQ.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (approximately 4 skewers per serving)
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
- Chicken breast fillets
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until the sugar dissolves.
- Add chicken breast fillets to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using them. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired.
- Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Cook skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
