Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and spicy Korean glaze, grilled to perfection and served with sticky rice and kimchi. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs (cut into 1-inch cubes) chicken thighs, soy sauce, gochujang for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 2 lbs chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto 24 soaked skewers, dividing evenly. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, until charred and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Serve the skewers with 2 cups cooked sticky rice and 1/2 cup kimchi on the side. For extra flavor, drizzle any remaining marinade over the rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy 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 Spicy 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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.

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