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Easy Chicken Bulgogi Recipe to Try Tonight Recipe

4.6 from 84 reviews

This Easy Chicken Bulgogi recipe features thinly sliced chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then quickly pan-seared to caramelized perfection. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, this Korean-inspired dish is perfect for a fast, delicious weeknight dinner that brings savory, sweet, and spicy notes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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)

For Garnish

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Extra chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. 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 optional chili flakes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin, even strips for quick cooking and enhanced flavor absorption. Toss the chicken strips in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. 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.
  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 warm and juicy.

Notes

  • Slice Thin: Thin slices of chicken cook faster and absorb marinade better.
  • Marinate Longer: For more intense flavor, marinate chicken overnight in the fridge.
  • Use a Hot Pan: Cooking on high heat achieves a perfect caramelized sear.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Give chicken pieces enough space in the pan to brown rather than steam.
  • Toast Sesame Seeds: Lightly toast sesame seeds before sprinkling for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Keywords: chicken bulgogi, Korean chicken recipe, easy chicken bulgogi, Korean BBQ chicken, quick chicken dinner