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grilled Korean chicken thighs recipe

Sticky Grilled Korean Chicken Thighs

Cleb MorganCaleb Morgan
These grilled Korean chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy, sweet, and savory glaze, then grilled to perfection for a delicious family dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Resealable plastic bag

Ingredients
  

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup gochujang
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Chicken

  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 green onions chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until well mixed. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for basting later.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage it to ensure the chicken is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Cooking

  • Heat your grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
  • Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving

  • Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Storage

  • Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Marinate overnight for best flavor. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of gochujang.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. Maple syrup can replace brown sugar.
How to Serve: Serve with steamed rice and a side of kimchi for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in the oven.
Make-Ahead Tips: Marinate the chicken and keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance for a speedy dinner prep.
Keyword Grilled Korean chicken thighs, Korean BBQ chicken, spicy chicken thighs