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This Korean Chicken recipe is as authentic as it can get. Tender and juicy chicken thighs cooked with a homemade Korean marinade and served over white rice. Takes just about 30 minutes to make and is perfect for meal prepping.

You may also like my BBQ baked chicken breast or my baked teriyaki chicken breast.

top view chicken thighs over a bowl of white rice topped with green onions and avocado
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Many ways to cook chicken but by far this is one of my favorite ways to prepare and serve chicken. You will get all the amazing Korean feel and taste with each bite. This Korean-inspired chicken is made with boneless and skinless chicken thighs, easy to make, packed with flavor, and great for those who meal prep.

The chicken thighs are cooked in a simple homemade Korean-inspired marinade and served over a bowl of white rice and then garnished with some avocado and green onions.

top view korean chicken thighs served over a bowl or rice

Recipe summary

  • Authentic and flavorful: This dish is packed with flavor, you will want to have another serving and add it to your weekly dinner menu.
  • Easy to make: Making this chicken thighs recipe is very easy. Made with simple ingredients and ready in just under 30 minutes.
  • Meal Prep friendly: Perfect for those who meal prep and are looking to add some variety and flavor to their meal-prepped meals.
close up korean chicken thighs over a bowl of rice

Ingredients you will need

Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this chicken and rice. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

ingredients for korean chicken thighs.
  • Chicken: I used chicken thighs, but you can use chicken breasts instead. Or even any other protein of your choice.
  • Toasted Sesame seeds: this ingredient could be optional if you do not have it handy. But it does add a light nutty flavor to the meal.
  • Green Onions: Used to garnish the meal and give it a nice kick in the flavor department.
  • Avocado: Optional for garnishing. Not included in the recipe card. This is just a personal preference.
  • Gochujang paste: This is an authentic ingredient you will need to make this meal. It cannot be skipped.
  • Soy sauce: use light soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • Honey: if you do not have honey, use brown sugar or agave
  • Sesame oil: this oil gives the best flavor, but you may use another nut oil.
  • Seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, ginger powder
  • Vinegar: any vinegar you have handy, we used rice vinegar.

How to make Korean Chicken Recipe

On a shallow plate, mix well all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken
thigh and rub with the marinade on all sides.

Allow the chicken to marinate over the counter for 15-20 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5
minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

marinated thighs in a bowl

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve over your favorite
cooked rice, if desired.

Frequently asked questions

What is Korean chicken sauce made of?

Korean chicken sauce is made of a combination of gochujang paste, ginger, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar. There are a few different variations but most authentic Korean sauces will have these ingredients in them. Gochujang paste can now be found at most grocery stores.

Why is Korean chicken so crispy?

The Korean Chicken you get at restaurants is super crispy and often times its what makes the meal so wholesome. This is because the chicken is coated with a breading made of potato starch and then the chicken is double-fried to give it that extra crispy texture. This is why we recommend making your own lighter Korean-style chicken at home without all the frying and breading.

Is chicken thigh nicer than breast?

That would be the debate of the century. Some would argue that chicken thighs are better than chicken breasts, mainly because chicken thighs tend to be more tender when cooked than chicken breast. Chicken breasts are much leaner than chicken thighs and would be a healthier choice.

top view cooked korean chicken thighs in a skillet

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5 from 9 votes

Korean Chicken Thighs and Rice

By: Rena
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
top view sliced korean chicken thighs over a plate of rice in a bowl
Simple and easy chicken thighs cooked with an authentic Korean marinade and served over white rice. Takes just about 30 minutes to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar of choice

Optional topping: chopped avocado

Instructions

  • On a shallow plate, mix well all the marinade ingredients (2 tablespoons gochujang paste, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, and 1 teaspoon vinegar of choice). Add the 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs and rub with the marinade on all sides.
  • Allow the chicken to marinate over the counter for 15-20 minutes.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Garnish with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, and serve over your favorite cooked rice, if desired.

Notes

  • If you do not like chicken thighs, you may use chicken breasts
  • Trim out all the excess fat off the chicken thighs to reduce fat content.
  • Serve over any rice of choice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

Nutrition

Calories: 209kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 23gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 607mgPotassium: 381mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 566IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

About Rena Awada

Hi, Iโ€™m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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5 from 9 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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