Korean Chicken Breasts

This Korean Chicken Breasts recipe is a fantastic way to bring the bold and savory flavors of Korean cuisine to your dinner table. With its juicy chicken and delicious marinade, this dish is perfect for weeknight grilling or any occasion where you want something special yet easy to prepare. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful meal that will have them asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic infuses the chicken with an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, slice it for salads, or use it in wraps for a tasty lunch option.
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken breasts and fresh ingredients, this dish is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Grilling Perfection: Achieve that sought-after grill mark while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand makes cooking this Korean Chicken Breasts recipe even easier. Here are some essential items that will help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ziploc bags
• Grill or grill pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Ziploc bags: Perfect for marinating chicken evenly without making a mess.
• Grill or grill pan: Ensures that you achieve those beautiful grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy.
• Medium mixing bowl: Useful for mixing your marinade and keeping everything organized during prep.

Ingredients

This is the BEST grilled chicken recipe! Not just because I’m obsessed with Korean food, it’s just so juicy and flavorful, and this is coming from a girl who prefers dark meat. It’s also quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight grilling.

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise, from 2 breasts)

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup low sodium or gluten-free soy sauce
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for topping)
• 2 thinly sliced scallions (white and green parts)

How to Make Korean Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts one at a time in a Ziploc bag.
2. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breast to an even thickness of about ½ inch thick. Be careful not to puncture the bag.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, apple sauce, chopped onion, sesame oil, grated ginger, brown sugar, crushed garlic cloves, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame seeds.
2. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for later use.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Transfer the remainder of the marinade into the Ziploc bag with the chicken.
2. Seal the bag and refrigerate it to marinate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Grill each piece of chicken for 2 to 3 minutes until it no longer sticks to the grill.
3. Turn each piece over carefully; spoon reserved marinade over each breast.
4. Continue grilling for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through.

Enjoy your delicious Korean Chicken Breasts!

How to Serve Korean Chicken Breasts

Korean Chicken Breasts are versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Pair them with various sides or use them as a part of larger meals to enhance their flavor.

With Rice

• Steamed Rice – A classic pairing that absorbs the savory marinade.
• Fried Rice – Add veggies and eggs for a hearty, flavorful dish.

In Salads

• Asian Slaw – Toss with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing for a crunchy contrast.
• Mixed Greens – Serve sliced chicken over mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for freshness.

In Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps – Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken and add your favorite toppings.
• Tortilla Wraps – Roll the chicken in tortillas with veggies and sauce for an easy meal on the go.

As Tacos

• Korean Chicken Tacos – Fill taco shells with sliced chicken, kimchi, and avocado for a fusion twist.

How to Perfect Korean Chicken Breasts

To achieve juicy and flavorful Korean Chicken Breasts, follow these simple tips that ensure every bite is satisfying.

• Marinate Longer – Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the flavor even more.
• Pound Evenly – Ensure uniform thickness by pounding the chicken; this promotes even cooking.
• Preheat the Grill – Make sure your grill is hot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.
• Use Reserved Marinade – Basting with reserved marinade adds extra flavor during grilling.
• Check Internal Temperature – Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Let Rest Before Slicing – Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling keeps it moist.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Chicken Breasts

Pair your Korean Chicken Breasts with these side dishes to create a well-rounded meal that’s full of flavor.

1. Kimchi Fried Rice – A spicy and tangy rice dish that complements the grilled chicken beautifully.
2. Cucumber Salad – Refreshing cucumbers in a light vinegar dressing help balance the richness of the chicken.
3. Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrition to your plate.
4. Sweet Potato Mash – Creamy sweet potatoes provide a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
5. Grilled Vegetables – Assorted seasonal vegetables grilled alongside add great texture and taste.
6. Pickled Radishes – Crunchy pickled radishes offer a tangy bite that pairs well with grilled meats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating the chicken incorrectly can ruin your Korean Chicken Breasts. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using the wrong cut of chicken: Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. This cut allows the marinade to penetrate better.

• Not marinating long enough: Marination is key for juicy, flavorful chicken. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better for deeper flavor.

• Skipping the pounded chicken step: Failing to pound the chicken to an even thickness can lead to uneven cooking. This results in some parts being overcooked while others are undercooked.

• Ignoring grill temperature: Cooking on too low or too high a heat can affect your grill marks and cooking time. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for perfect grilling.

• Not reserving marinade: Forgetting to set aside some marinade before adding it to the chicken can deprive you of that extra layer of flavor when grilling. Always reserve a portion for brushing on during cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Korean Chicken Breasts in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Korean Chicken Breasts

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
• You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Korean Chicken Breasts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid, and heat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing Korean Chicken Breasts:

How do I make Korean Chicken Breasts spicier?

You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinade or add a dash of hot sauce before grilling for extra heat.

Can I use skin-on chicken breasts?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe, you can use skin-on breasts as well, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

What should I serve with Korean Chicken Breasts?

These flavorful chicken breasts pair well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

How long do leftovers last?

If stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers from your Korean Chicken Breasts will remain good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Korean Chicken Breasts is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavors that everyone will love. The marinated grilled chicken is juicy and tender, making it perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Korean Chicken Breasts

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Korean Chicken Breasts, a delightful dish that brings the essence of Korean cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a harmonious blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, every bite is packed with flavor that will leave your family and friends wanting more. Serve it as a main course, slice it for salads, or tuck it into wraps for an easy lunch option. Get ready to impress with this quick and easy recipe that showcases the best of Asian-inspired grilling.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• Optional: red pepper flakes and sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet in a Ziploc bag.
2. In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, apple sauce, onion, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes (if desired), and sesame seeds.
3. Reserve ¼ cup of marinade and pour the rest over the chicken in the Ziploc bag. Seal and refrigerate for at least one hour.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until thoroughly cooked.
5. Baste with reserved marinade during grilling for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg