Lab-Style Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken marinated in a bold Korean-inspired sauce, grilled to perfection and served with a side of pickled vegetables — a tribute to the innovation of the Fresh Lab. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, soy sauce, gochujang paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 12 wooden skewers
- 2 medium bell peppers
- 4 green onions
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang paste, 1 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread chicken cubes onto 12 skewers, alternating with 2-inch slices of bell pepper and green onions. Set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush skewers with a little oil and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, until chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, make pickled vegetables: in a small pot, combine 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Add thinly sliced bell peppers and green onions, and let sit for 10 minutes before serving as a side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lab-Style Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Lab-Style Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lab-Style Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers?
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 Lab-Style Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lab-Style Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Korean grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.