Honey-Glazed Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory honey-soy glaze with garlic and ginger, perfect for a quick Korean-inspired BBQ. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, honey, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs in a zip-top bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 3 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are nicely charred.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate, garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Glazed Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Glazed Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs?

Korean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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