Description
This Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, fresh ginger, and spicy gochujang. Grilled to perfection, the chicken boasts a deliciously sticky, slightly charred glaze with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, this dish makes a delightful main course served with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 medium cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Garnish
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (optional)
- Additional toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, finely minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, gochujang (or sriracha), and toasted sesame seeds until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill and heat it to medium-high heat to achieve the perfect sear and char on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should develop a nicely charred, sticky glaze.
- Rest and Garnish: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with finely sliced green onions and additional toasted sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Korean honey sesame grilled chicken hot with your choice of sides such as steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours but not longer to avoid texture change.
- Gochujang adds authentic Korean spice, but sriracha is a suitable substitute for a milder heat.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier chicken; breasts can be used but may be less moist.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to get a perfect char and prevent sticking.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be cooked using a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Adjust the level of honey based on your sweetness preference.
