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Flavorful Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls

Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls - featured image

A quick and easy Korean BBQ chicken bowl recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs, fresh crisp veggies, and fluffy rice, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage or napa cabbage
  • 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine Korean BBQ sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  2. While chicken marinates, shred carrots, thinly slice cucumbers and cabbage, rinse bean sprouts if using, and slice green onions. Set veggies aside separately to keep fresh.
  3. Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken thighs and cook 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is caramelized. Add a splash of water or reserved marinade if pan gets dry, avoiding burning the sauce.
  5. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into bite-sized strips or chunks.
  6. Assemble bowls by placing warm rice at the base, topping with sliced chicken, and arranging fresh veggies around. Add gochujang if desired, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, garnish with green onions, and squeeze lime wedges over the top.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for flavor; longer marination (up to overnight) yields juicier chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good caramelized crust. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. If sauce thickens too much, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it. Fresh veggies can be swapped seasonally or based on preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ chicken, chicken bowls, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Korean BBQ sauce, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner