Korean Grilled Chicken Breast

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Imagine biting into perfectly grilled chicken, bursting with the flavors of garlic, honey, and sesame. This Korean Grilled Chicken Breast recipe brings you that delightful experience! Easy to whip up, it’s great for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Each bite is juicy and satisfying, making you feel right at home. Plus, this dish is pantry-friendly, so you may already have the ingredients on hand! The best part? It’s no fuss—just simple, wholesome flavors that even the pickiest eaters will love. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love Korean Grilled Chicken Breast (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor yet easy to make, this Korean Grilled Chicken Breast is a winner! The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Here are some reasons to get excited about this recipe:

  • Quick to Prepare: You can marinate the chicken in just 15 minutes!
  • Pantry-Friendly: Uses common ingredients you likely already have.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for lunches throughout the week!
  • Versatile: Perfect for rice bowls, salads, or wraps.
  • Healthy & Balanced: Plenty of protein with a low-calorie count.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will enjoy it.
  • Easy Clean-Up: Just a few dishes to wash when you’re done!

Key Ingredients for Korean Grilled Chicken Breast

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish; they grill up juicy and tender.
  • Soy Sauce – Adds the umami flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
  • Rice Vinegar – A tangy note that brightens the marinade.
  • Honey – Provides a touch of sweetness that balances the saltiness.
  • Sesame Oil – Gives that nutty aroma and richness to the chicken.
  • Garlic – Adds depth and a lovely aroma when grilled.
  • Ground Ginger – A hint of spice and warmth to the marinade.
  • Sesame Seeds (optional) – For a delightful crunch and garnish.
  • Green Onions – Freshness and color to finish off the dish.

Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.

How to Make Korean Grilled Chicken Breast

Phase 1 – Prep

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, then let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavor).

Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess sauce drip off.
  3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and it’s golden brown.

Phase 3 – Serve

  1. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
  2. Slice and serve on a platter, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy the beautiful flavors!

Pro Tips for the Best Results

  • Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate for up to 24 hours.
  • Grill Marks: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken to get nice grill marks.
  • Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy.
  • Swap for Thighs: Chicken thighs can be used for more flavor and tenderness.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
  • Double the Batch: Grill extra chicken to enjoy throughout the week or to freeze for later.
  • Add Spice: If you like heat, add a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to your marinade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not Marinating Enough: If you don’t marinate the chicken long enough, it won’t absorb all that delicious flavor. Aim for at least 15 minutes or longer if you can. The longer, the better!
  2. Overcrowding the Grill: Trying to cook too many pieces at once can lower the grill temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Give each piece space, so they can grill evenly and get those beautiful marks.
  3. Skipping the Resting Period: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking can cause juices to escape, leaving you with dry meat. Let it rest for a few minutes to keep it tender and juicy.

Recipe Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free!
  • Spicy: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Herbal: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh twist.
  • Cooking Method: This recipe works well in an air fryer or stovetop for a quick dinner.

How to Serve Korean Grilled Chicken Breast

Best Pairings:

  • Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
  • Pair with a fresh cucumber salad or Korean kimchi for some crunch.

Toppings & Garnishes:

  • Drizzle with more sesame oil or some spicy mayo for extra flavor.
  • Top with fresh cilantro or squeeze a lime over the dish for brightness.

Drink Pairing:

  • A chilled glass of iced tea or a light beer complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead & Storage

Can I Meal Prep This?

Yes! This chicken is perfect for meal prep. It tastes fantastic when grilled ahead of time and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools before sealing.

Freezing

You can freeze grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture slightly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. If you’re using a microwave, heat it gently in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before marinating for even flavor.

How to make it extra creamy without cream?

Try adding two tablespoons of yogurt or a dollop of tahini for a creamy twist.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough grill space, or do it in batches.

How to fix a too-thick soup?

Add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

This Korean Grilled Chicken Breast recipe is not just a tasty meal but also a great way to bring fun and flavor into your kitchen! Enjoy the deliciousness and don’t forget to rate and comment on how you liked it! For more delightful recipes, check out our easy chicken recipes to explore more delicious ideas!

Korean Grilled Chicken Breast

This Korean Grilled Chicken Breast recipe features juicy chicken marinated in a delicious blend of garlic, honey, and sesame, perfect for any weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce Adds umami flavor
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar For tanginess
  • 1/4 cup honey Brings sweetness
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil Provides nutty aroma
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Add depth of flavor
  • 1 tsp ground ginger For spice and warmth
Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts The star of the dish
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional) For garnish
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped For freshness and garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, then let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
Cooking
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess sauce drip off.
  3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and it’s golden brown.
Serving
  1. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
  2. Slice and serve on a platter, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken longer, use the grill properly, and let it rest before slicing. Great for meal prep and can be served with rice, salads, or wraps.

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