Description
Chicken Bulgogi features tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a savory, naturally sweet, and slightly tangy sauce made with simple, fresh ingredients. This quick and customizable Korean-inspired recipe delivers balanced flavors of umami, sweetness, and mild heat, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or creative meals with vibrant garnishes and sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (natural, gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional Variations
- Red chili flakes or 1 tbsp gochujang (natural) for spice
- Julienned carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added vegetables
- Agave syrup (natural) in place of brown sugar for sweetness variation
Garnishes and Serving
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce (natural), brown sugar (natural), minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced green onions, sesame oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), natural gelling agent, and freshly ground black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly with a fragrant aroma.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick pan or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked. The natural gelling agent will form a nice glaze on the chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Use chicken thigh meat for juicier, more tender results.
- Marinate longer to deepen flavor infusion.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and to achieve proper caramelization.
- Taste and adjust the marinade sweetness or acidity before marinating chicken.
- Preheat your pan well to lock in juices and create a nice sear.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken Bulgogi, Korean chicken, easy dinner, savory chicken marinade, gluten free chicken recipe
