Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe
If you love bold flavors that strike the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and a little kick of heat, this Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Tender, juicy chicken thighs get lovingly marinated in a vibrant sauce made with honey, soy, sesame oil, and gochujang, then grilled to smoky perfection. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor topped off with crunchy sesame seeds and fresh green onions, creating a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with a taste of Korean-inspired cuisine, this recipe delivers all the deliciousness without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe plays a starring role, combining simplicity and essential flavors that create a harmonious, mouthwatering experience. From the salty depth of soy sauce to the sweet floral notes of honey, every component is carefully chosen to build layers of taste and texture.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness and rich flavor, or breasts for a leaner option.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami without overpowering the dish with saltiness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze when grilled.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts an unmistakable nutty aroma enhancing the dish’s Korean flair.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Offers a mild tang that balances out the sweetness and heat.
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste): Gives a gentle spicy kick and rich depth, essential for authentic flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungency and warmth that infuse throughout the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Introduces a refreshing zing that brightens the marinade beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted for crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
- 2 green onions, finely chopped: Freshness and mild onion bite bring the dish to life at the end.
How to Make Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, garlic, and ginger in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This marinade is the superstar that infuses the chicken with its incredible flavor, so make sure everything is blended well to ensure every bite tastes perfect.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover the container tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour — though letting it rest up to eight hours will deepen the flavor even more. This is your chance to relax or prep other ingredients while the magic happens.
Step 3: Preheat and grill the chicken
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot for a beautiful sear. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off (don’t be tempted to wipe it all away as that glaze adds to the char). Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is gorgeously caramelized.
Step 4: Rest and garnish
Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting is key to juicy chicken because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout. Finish off by sprinkling with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions to add that final burst of texture and color.
How to Serve Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions not only add crunch and freshness but elevate the presentation to restaurant level. You can also sprinkle a little extra gochujang or drizzle a bit of the thickened marinade glaze on top for extra flavor punch.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or sticky rice to soak up every last bit of sticky glaze. For a truly authentic experience, serve it alongside tangy kimchi, crunchy pickled vegetables, or some grilled seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, balancing the savory-sweet flavors with light, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just stop at plating it like a classic main course. Slice the grilled chicken thinly and use it in rice bowls topped with avocado and cucumber slices, layer it in lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld meal, or tuck it into sandwiches and bao buns with some fresh herbs and crunchy slaw. This Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe is versatile and fun to explore in many presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making it a great make-ahead option for your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked grilled chicken by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to two months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve its tender texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You can add a splash of water or leftover marinade (heated separately) to create a little steam, keeping the meat moist and flavorful as you warm it through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs tend to stay juicier and absorb the marinade more deeply. Just keep an eye on cooking time since breasts can dry out faster.
Is gochujang spicy? Can I omit it?
Gochujang has a mild to moderate heat level with sweet and savory undertones. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely, but it definitely adds a key layer of flavor that defines this recipe.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan or even broil the chicken in your oven. The key is high heat to get that caramelized exterior, so watch carefully to avoid burning.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least one hour is necessary for flavor, but if you have time, letting it sit up to eight hours (or even overnight) in the fridge really enhances the taste and tenderness.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
Since it’s been in contact with raw chicken, cook the leftover marinade by bringing it to a boil and simmering until thickened to make a delicious glaze or dipping sauce without food safety concerns.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe is pure joy on a plate. Its beautiful medley of flavors and easy preparation means you can whip up something truly special any day of the week. Whether you’re new to Korean-inspired cooking or a seasoned fan, this dish invites you to savor the magic of honey sweetness, gently fiery gochujang, and that irresistible grilled char. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, garlic, and ginger. Grilled to perfection, this recipe is topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, offering a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors perfect for a Korean-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined, ensuring the marinade is smooth and flavorful.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover it, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure a hot cooking surface that will nicely char the chicken and seal in juices.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior has a beautiful char, indicating it is cooked through and flavorful.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices and ensure tenderness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and fresh flavor, then serve with steamed rice, kimchi, or grilled vegetables as desired.
Notes
- This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, kimchi, or grilled vegetables, making a complete Korean-inspired meal.
- You can slice the grilled chicken to use in rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or sandwiches for versatile serving options.
- For extra glaze, simmer the leftover marinade in a small saucepan until thickened and drizzle it over the cooked chicken to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
