When the craving for comfort food strikes, it’s easy to reach for takeout—but what if I told you that there’s a delightful homemade option that’s both simple and packed with flavor? That’s where my Chicken Bulgogi (Dak Bulgogi) comes in. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine, this dish transforms everyday chicken thighs into a deliciously tender meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Picture this: slicing into perfectly caramelized pieces that glisten in a luscious sauce of soy, sesame, and a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re pan-frying or using an air fryer, the sizzle of the chicken mingling with garlic and ginger fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s the ideal recipe for those evenings when you’re exhausted but crave something more satisfying than fast food. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste—spicy with gochujang or mild without it! Trust me, once you try this Chicken Bulgogi, you won’t look at your weeknight dinners the same way again.
Why is Chicken Bulgogi a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal without extensive cooking skills.
Rich, Savory Flavor: This dish combines soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness for explosion of taste.
Customizable Heat: Whether you love spice or prefer it mild, you can easily adjust the heat by adding or omitting gochujang.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between pan-frying or air frying to fit your kitchen style.
Nourishing and Satisfying: Packed with 91g of protein, this recipe is not only delightful but will keep you full and energized!
For more quick and savory meals, check out our easy weeknight dinners.
Chicken Bulgogi Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create this savory dish!
For the Chicken
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and tenderness.
For the Marinade
- Soy sauce – Gives a rich umami flavor; feel free to use low-sodium if preferred.
- Brown sugar – Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- Mirin – Adds depth; you can substitute with a splash of white wine if unavailable.
- Sesame oil – Enhances the dish with its nutty aroma; it’s essential for an authentic taste.
- Rice vinegar – Brightens the marinade; you could use apple cider vinegar for a different twist.
Aromatics and Spice
- Avocado oil – Great for high heat cooking; swap with vegetable oil if needed.
- Garlic clove – Freshly minced for the best flavor; try using garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
- Ginger – Grated for a spicy warmth that elevates the dish; you can substitute ground ginger in an emergency.
- Gochujang paste – Adds that beloved kick; omit this if you prefer a milder chicken Bulgogi.
Dive into this Chicken Bulgogi recipe and let each bite transport you to a world of flavors!
How to Make Chicken Bulgogi
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Marinate: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients with the chicken. Mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
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Pan-Fry: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for approximately 12 minutes, stirring frequently. Look for a caramelized sauce and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 385°F. Place the chicken and marinade into the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through for an even golden crust.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Bulgogi are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in the flavorful sauce up to 24 hours in advance, letting it soak up all the delicious ingredients. Simply combine the chicken and all marinade components in a bowl or a resealable bag, then refrigerate it until you are ready to cook. If you want to prep even further, slice the onion and prepare the garlic and ginger the night before—you’ll save precious time on a busy weeknight. When it’s time to serve, just pan-fry or air fry the marinated chicken as per the instructions for a meal that’s just as delicious as if you had made it fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Bulgogi
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Bulgogi in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help maintain the flavors while keeping the chicken moist.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the marinated chicken in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while preserved.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then pan-fry on medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally!
Meal Prep: Consider prepping the Chicken Bulgogi marinade ahead of time—marinate the chicken and freeze it for an easy weeknight meal that’s ready to go!
Expert Tips for Chicken Bulgogi
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Marinating Time Matters: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, but overnight is even better!
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Watch the Heat: When pan-frying, keep the heat at medium-high. Too high temperatures may burn the sugar in the marinade, ruining that caramelization.
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Even Cooking: In the air fryer, make sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to achieve that perfect golden crust all around.
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Right Thickness: Slice the chicken thighs evenly. If they’re too thick, they won’t cook properly, leading to dry spots in your Chicken Bulgogi.
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Customize Your Heat: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice tolerance; you can always start with less and add more!
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Serve Smart: Pair your Chicken Bulgogi with steamed rice or fresh veggies to complement the rich flavors and create a balanced meal.
What to Serve with Chicken Bulgogi?
Elevate your Chicken Bulgogi experience by pairing it with delicious sides that enhance this savory dish.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
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Kimchi: This tangy and spicy fermented vegetable side offers a contrast to the sweetness of the chicken, adding depth to your meal.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing side, the crunch of cucumbers balances the rich flavors of the Bulgogi perfectly.
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Sesame Spinach: Simple sautéed spinach with sesame oil brings a nutritious green element that complements the savory notes of the chicken.
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Pickled Radishes: These bright and crunchy pickles cut through the richness and provide a vibrant pop of flavor that excites the palate.
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Korean Potato Salad: Creamy and slightly sweet, this unique twist on potato salad provides a delicious contrast, making every mouthful a joy.
Accompany your Chicken Bulgogi with these delightful sides, and create a meal that’s both memorable and heartwarming!
Chicken Bulgogi Variations
Feel free to explore and customize this recipe to suit your palate and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it delicious and dairy-free. The sweetness remains, making it a great choice for all.
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Sweet & Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup along with the brown sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. This will balance the heat perfectly!
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Veggie-Packed: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the mix for added nutrition and flavor. They’ll soak up the marinade and add a delightful texture.
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Grill It: Cook the marinated chicken on a hot grill for a smoky flavor. The char from the grill enhances the overall taste, giving it an irresistible finish.
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Keto-Friendly: Swap out the brown sugar for erythritol or stevia for a lower-carb option. You’ll still have that sweet essence, but with fewer carbs.
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Heat Level Adjust: For a milder version, omit the gochujang and substitute with a dash of smoked paprika, giving you a flavorful twist without the heat.
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Asian-Inspired Tacos: Use the chicken as a filling for tortillas topped with slaw and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. This fusion is sure to impress at your next gathering.
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Savory Rice Bowl: Serve the chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa, topped with sliced avocado and sesame seeds. This creates a wholesome and hearty meal that satisfies.
Chicken Bulgogi Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for Chicken Bulgogi?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken thighs for Chicken Bulgogi, look for boneless, skinless options with a nice pink color. Avoid any that have dark spots or an off smell. Fresh thighs have a tender texture that makes them perfect for marinating and stir-frying.
What’s the best way to store leftover Chicken Bulgogi?
For optimal freshness, store leftover Chicken Bulgogi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Can I freeze Chicken Bulgogi? How?
Yes, you can definitely freeze Chicken Bulgogi! I recommend marinating the chicken first. Place the marinated chicken in a zip-top freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. This not only saves time but helps the flavors meld beautifully.
What if my Chicken Bulgogi is too spicy?
Very! If your Chicken Bulgogi ends up too spicy due to the gochujang, don’t worry, you can balance it out. Just mix in a bit of honey or brown sugar to sweeten and counteract the heat. Alternatively, serve the chicken with a cooling side like cucumber salad or plain yogurt to offset the spiciness.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you have allergies, this recipe contains soy sauce, which may not be suitable for those with soy allergies. For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Also, if you’re cooking for pets, remember that high sodium levels in soy sauce can be harmful, so keep this dish as a human-only meal!
How do I achieve that perfect caramelization when cooking?
To achieve that irresistible caramelization when cooking Chicken Bulgogi, keep the heat on medium-high and stir frequently. If the sauce starts to stick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Look for a rich, deep color and thickened sauce; this usually takes about 12 minutes when pan-frying. This method helps lock in flavors and gives you that satisfying crispy texture on the outside!
Savory Chicken Bulgogi: A Flavor Explosion in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients with the chicken. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for approximately 12 minutes, stirring frequently until caramelized and fully cooked.
- Preheat your air fryer to 385°F. Place the chicken and marinade into the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway for an even crust.