Quick Chicken Bulgogi Recipe: Savory, Sweet, and Spicy Delight

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make Korean dish that’s bursting with flavor? Chicken Bulgogi is the perfect choice.

This savory, sweet, and slightly spicy recipe is a twist on the classic Korean beef bulgogi, featuring tender chicken marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Bulgogi is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold flavors.

Serve it with steamed rice, veggies, or in lettuce wraps for a complete, satisfying meal. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish at home.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4-6 people
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion

Why I Love This Chicken Bulgogi Recipe

What really sets this recipe apart is how it brings restaurant-quality Korean flavors to your home kitchen without requiring a trip to specialty stores. Most ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store, and the technique is straightforward enough for beginners while delivering results that will impress even the most discerning palates.

The best part? This recipe is naturally healthier than its beef counterpart while still delivering all the bold, umami-rich flavors you crave. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl for marinating
• Sharp knife for slicing chicken
• Cutting board
• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine-mesh grater (for ginger and garlic)
• Small bowl for mixing marinade
• Tongs for handling chicken

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into thin strips)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Bulgogi Marinade:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice wine or mirin
• 1 large Asian pear, grated (or 1 regular pear)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Fresh lettuce leaves
• Sliced green onions
• Additional sesame seeds
• Korean chili paste (gochujang) – optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken thighs into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Cutting against the grain will ensure maximum tenderness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, and rice wine until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the grated pear, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced onion, green onions, sesame seeds, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, making sure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably 4-6 hours for maximum flavor penetration. For best results, marinate overnight.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bulgogi

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade liquid. Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of proper browning.

Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until pieces are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Pour reserved marinade into the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken bulgogi to a serving platter and garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Bulgogi

1. Don’t skip the pear: The enzymes in pear naturally tenderize the meat while adding subtle sweetness
2. Cut thin and uniform: Consistent sizing ensures even cooking
3. High heat is key: This creates the characteristic caramelized edges
4. Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches for better browning
5. Save some marinade: Reserve clean marinade before adding raw chicken for the final glaze

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition values are approximate and based on 6 servings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)