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Easy Chicken Bulgogi

Easy Chicken Bulgogi
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Easy Chicken Bulgogi is a quick, flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and optional gochujang. This vibrant, versatile meal is ideal for busy weeknights and meal prepping, delivering authentic tastes with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup as alternative)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste), optional for spice

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: fresh cilantro leaves, additional sesame oil for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and gochujang if using, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably several hours or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–6 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and avoid overcrowding the pan (cook in batches if necessary).
  4. Garnish and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and drizzle extra sesame oil before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer (several hours or overnight) for more intense flavor.
  • Cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming and get a nice sear.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for brighter, more aromatic flavor.
  • Adjust brown sugar quantity to balance sweetness and caramelization.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Bulgogi, Korean chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe, meal prep, gluten free, spicy chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/easy-chicken-bulgogi/