If you’re craving something vibrant, flavorful, and irresistibly sticky-sweet, this Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to for weeknight dinners or impressing friends over the weekend. Combining a perfect balance of sweet honey, bold Korean Gochujang, and nutty sesame, this grilled chicken offers layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting. The magic happens as the glaze caramelizes on the grill, sealing in juiciness and delivering that crave-worthy charred goodness we all love. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder how life was before this Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list because each ingredient plays a simple but essential role in building the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the smoky sweetness of the paprika to the punch of fresh ginger, every component is straightforward yet powerful.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Acts as the base for the rub, giving the chicken a lovely sheen and moisture.
- Sweet paprika: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Garlic salt: Brings savory depth and a touch of seasoning in one go.
- Sugar: Enhances caramelization on the grill and balances the savory elements.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Provides umami richness without overpowering the dish.
- Honey: The star sweetener that creates that sticky, luscious glaze we all love.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds complexity with its slightly tangy, sweet, and fermented notes.
- Korean Gochujang: This spicy-sweet chili paste brings authentic Korean heat and flavor, adjustable to your taste.
- Fresh ginger: Finely grated to give a fresh, zesty kick to the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Infuses nuttiness and a rich aroma that complements the sesame seeds.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for punchy, aromatic undertones.
- Grainy mustard: Adds texture and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Sesame seeds: Both mixed into the glaze and scattered on top for crunch and visual appeal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful, perfect for absorbing all those glorious flavors.
How to Make Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rub
Start by combining the olive oil, sweet paprika, garlic salt, and sugar in a bowl—this simple mixture is key to infusing the chicken with that smoky-sweet base flavor. Massage the rub into the chicken thighs with your hands to really get that seasoning absorbed, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit up to 24 hours makes the flavors even more intense.
Step 2: Make the Glaze and Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, Gochujang, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, grainy mustard, and sesame seeds in a saucepan. Bring it to a steady boil and simmer until it thickens and reduces by about half, which should take 5 to 7 minutes. This thick, glossy glaze is where the Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe really shines. Taste it, and if you love a little extra heat, stir in more Gochujang until it suits your spice tolerance.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill to a high temperature around 500 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit to get that beautiful sear. Oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. After flipping, brush the cooked side with some of the yummy glaze, then after flipping again, continue brushing as you grill until the chicken develops a nice char and caramelized crust. This process locks in juiciness and builds layers of irresistible flavor. Finally, transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it tender and juicy.
How to Serve Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nutty aroma, and don’t be shy with a handful of fresh sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal contrast. A few lime wedges on the side can add a bright, zesty lift that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the luscious glaze. For a lighter touch, serve alongside sautéed bok choy, grilled vegetables, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar and chili flakes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn the chicken into lettuce wraps, adding shredded carrots, pickled radishes, or fresh herbs inside crisp lettuce leaves. You could also serve this grilled chicken stacked over a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and avocado slices for a nutritious, colorful meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making for even tastier next-day meals or sandwiches.
Freezing
If you want to keep the chicken longer, it freezes well. Place the cooled chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container, pour some extra sauce on top to keep it moist, and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it so you remember the treasure inside!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, spooning extra sauce over it to keep it juicy and glossy. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can dry out the chicken, but if you must, cover loosely and add a splash of water or broth for moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts can work if you monitor them closely to avoid drying out. Consider marinating a bit longer and grilling just until cooked through.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends mostly on how much Gochujang you add. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste. You can make it mild or go for a spicy kick!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze keeps well in the refrigerator for about a week. Just warm it slightly before brushing onto the grilled chicken for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a combo of miso paste with a little honey or brown sugar can mimic its savory-sweet depth, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
Is grilling essential for this recipe?
Grilling brings out the best smoky char and texture, but you can cook the chicken under a broiler or on a grill pan if needed. Just keep an eye on it to get that caramelized finish without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe is a keeper for all seasons — it’s bursting with bold flavors that are surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe tickles all the right taste buds and leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how magical that sweet and spicy glaze tastes on perfectly grilled chicken!
Print
Korean Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
A flavorful Korean-inspired grilled chicken dish marinated with a savory and slightly spicy rub, then glazed with a sweet honey sesame sauce featuring Gochujang, hoisin, and ginger.
Ingredients
Rub Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 pounds trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Glaze/Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1½–3 tablespoons Korean Gochujang (start with 1½, add more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1½ tablespoon grainy mustard
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (more for garnish, if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rub: In a medium bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, garlic salt, and sugar. Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the bowl with the rub. Use your hands to massage and turn the chicken several times to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the rub mixture.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Make the Glaze/Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine low sodium soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, Gochujang (starting with 1½ tablespoons), finely grated fresh ginger, sesame oil, minced garlic, grainy mustard, and sesame seeds. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
- Reduce the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a medium boil over the stove and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces by about half. If you desire more heat, add more Gochujang one tablespoon at a time to taste. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat (500-600ËšF). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken – First Side: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes without moving, until golden brown.
- Grill and Glaze – Second Side: Flip the chicken to the other side and immediately brush the cooked first side with some of the glaze. Grill the second side for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Alternate Flipping and Glazing: Flip the chicken back to the first side and brush with glaze. Continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on each side, brushing with glaze after every flip, until the chicken is nicely browned and charred in spots.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and serve with any extra glaze on the side for drizzling.
Notes
- Marinate for longer than 30 minutes up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- You can adjust spiciness by varying the amount of Gochujang in the glaze.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using charcoal or wood chips on your grill.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the glaze.
- Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Resting the chicken after grilling helps retain its juices and tenderness.
