Dinner

Dak Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Chicken) Recipe

Name: Dak Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Chicken) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thigh; 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce; 1 Lemon (juice only); 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar; 1 tablespoon Honey; 1 tablespoon Rice Wine; 1 clove Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil; 1 pinch Ground Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds

ByNoah Steele December 19, 2025December 19, 2025

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Introduction

Dak Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean BBQ chicken dish that combines tender marinated chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

The image shows a white plate filled with a single large pile of grilled chicken pieces, cooked to a golden brown with some darker char marks, giving a slightly crispy and caramelized look. The chicken is garnished with small green strips of fresh scallions scattered on top and a few white sesame seeds sprinkled over the surface. The plate sits on a light lace cloth over a white marbled surface, and in the blurred background are two bowls, one clear with white cubes that look like tofu or cheese, and another white bowl with fresh green leafy vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons soy sauce

Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice wine

1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 pinch ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the chicken thighs, trim off any excess fat, and cut each piece into small sizes about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, honey, rice wine, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and sesame seeds to make the marinade.
Step 3: Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade and let them marinate for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 4: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan, reserving the remaining marinade. Cook the chicken until cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 2 minutes on each side. Watch closely to prevent burning as the sugar and honey caramelize. Add reserved marinade by tablespoon if the pan becomes dry and reduce heat if needed.

Step 5: Serve the dak bulgogi warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Serve with steamed rice and kimchi for a complete Korean meal.

Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Add sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for garnish before serving.

Storage

Store leftover dak bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with grilled chicken pieces that have a golden-brown color with some charred edges, topped with thin slices of green onion and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there are blurred elements including a clear bowl with white cubes and a green bowl with leafy greens. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used as a leaner option, but it may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor closely.