Tender chicken, marinated in a sweet and savory Korean-inspired sauce, comes together in under 30 minutes for a flavorful weeknight dinner that feels special. This simple Chicken Bulgogi is perfect for busy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Bold Flavor: A perfect balance of soy, garlic, ginger, and sweetness.
- Versatile: Great with rice, in lettuce wraps, or over salads.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spice or sweetness to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
For Serving
- Steamed rice
- Toasted sesame seeds & extra green onions for garnish
- Lettuce leaves for wraps (optional)
- Kimchi or cucumber salad (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, green onions, black pepper, and chili flakes. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Cook: Heat a lightly oiled skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and caramelized.
- Serve: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite sides.
Pro Tips
- Slice the chicken thinly for quick cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken sears instead of steaming.
- For a smokier flavor, cook the chicken on a grill.
Variations
- Spicy: Add 1-2 tsp of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with thick-sliced mushrooms or firm tofu.
- Fruity Twist: Add 2 tbsp of grated pear or pineapple juice to the marinade for natural sweetness and tenderizing.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: The chicken can be marinated overnight.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Chicken thighs or breasts? Both work! Thighs stay juicier; breasts are leaner.
- How long to marinate? At least 20 minutes, but 1-2 hours is ideal.
- Is it spicy? The base recipe is mild. Add chili flakes or gochujang to taste.
- Gluten-free option? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
