Name: Easy Chicken Bulgogi Recipe to Try Tonight Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Korean
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

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Introduction

Chicken Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This easy recipe uses a simple marinade to infuse tender chicken strips with a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. Serve it with rice or veggies for a satisfying meal.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice grains topped with thick pieces of grilled chicken glazed with a shiny, caramelized brown sauce featuring dark char marks. The chicken pieces are scattered evenly, with a few sprinkled white sesame seeds and small chopped green onions adding bright green pops of color across the surface. The overall texture of the chicken looks glossy and slightly sticky. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (for garnish)
Extra chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, chopped green onions, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using) until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin, even strips to help them cook quickly and absorb the marinade better. Toss the chicken strips in the marinade, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized around the edges.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Tips & Variations

Slice the chicken thinly for faster cooking and better marinade absorption.
Marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge for more intense flavor.
Cook on high heat to achieve a perfect caramelized sear.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; give chicken pieces enough space to brown instead of steam.
Lightly toast sesame seeds before sprinkling to add extra crunch and nuttiness.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating too long to prevent the chicken from drying out.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with a thick layer of glazed grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with some charred black grill marks, giving it a shiny and slightly sticky texture. The chicken is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and bright green chopped scallions scattered unevenly on top. The bowl rests on a surface with white marbled texture, and the lighting emphasizes the glossy finish on the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, both boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and slightly more flavorful.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe is mildly spicy if you use the optional chili flakes. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely to suit your heat preference.