Chicken Bulgogi is a delicious and savory Korean dish that features marinated chicken cooked to perfection. It’s simple to make and packed with flavors.
Chicken bulgogi is a flavorful Korean-inspired dish that brings together tender marinated chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. Traditionally made with beef, bulgogi translates to “fire meat,” referring to the grilling method, but chicken offers a lighter and equally delicious variation that is easy to prepare at home.
The key to great chicken bulgogi lies in the marinade. A classic combination includes soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil, creating a rich base that penetrates the meat. To add depth and a subtle sweetness, grated pear or apple is often included, helping to tenderize the chicken naturally. A touch of gochujang, Korean chili paste, can be added for a mild heat, while black pepper rounds out the flavor.
Start by slicing boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into thin strips. Thighs are generally preferred for their juiciness and flavor. Combine the chicken with the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination, up to several hours, will enhance the taste even more.
When ready to cook, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the marinated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. The goal is to achieve a slight caramelization on the edges while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The sugars in the marinade will help create a glossy, slightly charred finish.
Chicken bulgogi cooks quickly, usually within 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for freshness and texture. Serve it hot with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or alongside traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi.
This dish is incredibly versatile and works well for both casual meals and entertaining. Its bold flavors and quick cooking time make it a favorite for busy weeknights, while the vibrant presentation ensures it stands out on any table. Chicken bulgogi offers a perfect introduction to Korean cuisine with ingredients that are easy to find and simple techniques that deliver impressive results.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger fresh, grated
- 1 medium onion sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
- 2 stalks green onions chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Add the sliced chicken breast to the marinade, cover, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sliced onion to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken before serving.
Nutrition
This was AMAZING! So flavorful and juicy. My family loved it!
I dunno, it sounds good, but isn’t bulgogi supposed to be made with beef? Chicken seems weird…
I’m so glad to hear that! We loved it too. Did you serve it with rice or something? That’s how I like it!
I dunno, it was kinda bland for me. Maybe I added too much ginger?
Easy recipe! I used honey and it turned out great. Thanks!
Too long to cook, I got impatient. 😂
Patience is key! It’ll be worth it in the end, I promise! 🙌
Tasted way better than I expected! Perfect with rice.
Made this for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe!
Chicken, soy, garlic… this is basic. Where’s the excitement?
Didnt have sesame seeds, so I used peanuts instead. Still yum!
Why would you use low sodium soy sauce? Just use the regular, it’s better!
This was amazing! The flavors were so good together. I can’t believe how easy it was to make!
I totally agree! It was super easy and tasted like a restaurant dish. I’m definitely making this again!
Yummmm!!! My family loved it! Definitely saving this for future dinners. 🥳
Really? I found it kinda bland. Maybe it was just my cooking, but I expected more flavor. 🤷♂️
Glad to hear it! This is such an easy and delicious recipe. My kids loved it too! 🍽️
I followed the recipe exactly but it turned out dry. Maybe I cooked it too long?
How can you go wrong with chicken and soy sauce? This is a win in my book!
I googled this recipe and it seemed off. I thought it needed more spices or something.
Chicken not gud. 1 star. Recipe sound fine but my chicken didn’t taste like the food in Korean places.
Honestly, I made this recipe and it taste fine to me. Maybe your chicken was bad or somethin? 🤷♀️
I’m sorry your chicken didn’t turn out right! Maybe try letting it marinate longer? That helps for sure.
I don’t cook much, but this was super easy and quick. And it tasted better than I expected!
Not bad, but I think I would skip the sesame oil next time. Just didn’t work for us.
Anyone tried this with tofu instead of chicken? Might give it a shot!
I dunno if tofu will work as good, chicken adds flavor ya know. But give it a try if you want!
Tofu sounds great! Just make sure to press it to get the water out first. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
Meh, it was alright. I’ve had better chicken dishes before. I think the sauce needed more kick.