Bring the flavor of Korean street food straight to your kitchen with this Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Juicy marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, brushed with a sweet and spicy Korean BBQ glaze, and served on toasted buns with crisp slaw and creamy mayo or gochujang sauce.
It’s the kind of sandwich that hits all the notes — smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet — making it a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop grill pan, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with umami, spice, and caramelized flavor
- Grilled to smoky perfection — no deep frying
- Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or BBQs
- Customizable toppings for a crowd-pleasing meal
- Great for summer cookouts or game-day food
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 4 brioche or potato buns, toasted
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or sriracha mayo
- Pickles or sliced cucumbers (optional)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for best flavor.
2. Grill the chicken. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
3. Toast the buns. Lightly butter and toast buns on the grill until golden brown.
4. Assemble the sandwich. Spread mayo on the buns, add grilled chicken, top with coleslaw and optional pickles. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions.
5. Serve and enjoy. Serve hot with fries, salad, or a refreshing cucumber side.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I use chicken breast? Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
No grill? Use a cast-iron pan or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes.
Adjust the spice: Add more or less gochujang depending on your heat preference.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 sandwich | 520 | 38g | 38g | 18g | 2g | 12g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.
