There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a sandwich that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. This Korean BBQ chicken sandwich is exactly that—a mouthwatering combination that’s both bold and comforting. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a fun dinner, this recipe brings the delicious taste of Korean BBQ right to your kitchen.
You’ll love how simple it is to make yet how impressive it tastes. The Korean BBQ chicken sandwich is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a kick of heat and sweetness, all wrapped up in a soft bun with crunchy slaw and creamy sauce. Let’s dive into this recipe and get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bold sweet and spicy Korean BBQ flavors that excite your palate.
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and fresh produce.
- Perfect balance of textures—juicy chicken, crunchy slaw, and soft bun.
- Great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for the chicken, marinade, slaw, and sandwich assembly. The flavors come together beautifully and are easy to whip up.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 brioche or hamburger buns, toasted
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or Napa)
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
How to Make THIS KOREAN BBQ CHICKEN SANDWICH IS SWEET, SPICY & NEXT-LEVEL GOOD 🤤🍔
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the slaw by mixing shredded cabbage and carrot in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey to make the spicy mayo sauce. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely caramelized.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading spicy mayo on the toasted buns, layering on the cooked chicken, topping with slaw, green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the perfect sweet and spicy Korean BBQ chicken sandwich experience.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
- Don’t skip marinating; even 10 minutes adds great depth to the chicken’s taste.
- Toast the buns to add crunch and prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Adjust the gochujang and sriracha to control the spice level to your liking.
- For extra texture, add sliced cucumbers or pickled radishes to the slaw.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Korean BBQ chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps keep the slaw crisp and the chicken juicy.
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. Assemble sandwiches fresh before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may be less juicy and can dry out faster. Cook carefully and avoid overcooking for the best results.
What if I don’t have gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, mix a combination of chili paste or powder with a bit of miso paste or soy sauce for some umami depth. It won’t be exactly the same but still flavorful.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and buns to keep the sandwich safe for a gluten-free diet without sacrificing taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the chicken and slaw can be prepared ahead and stored separately. Assemble sandwiches fresh to keep everything tasting vibrant and crunchy.