If you’re craving something that perfectly marries convenience and incredible flavor, this Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple. Imagine tender, juicy rotisserie chicken infused with a luscious, savory-sweet Korean BBQ sauce that hits just the right balance of spice, umami, and a touch of sweetness. It’s quick and easy to prepare, but the flavors are so vibrant and comforting, you’ll think you spent all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked on how effortless and delicious Korean-inspired meals can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe plays a starring role, blending together to create a harmony of taste, texture, and color. These are simple pantry staples with a Korean twist that bring this dish alive with boldness and depth.
- Whole rotisserie chicken (skin removed and meat shredded): The perfect shortcut to tender, flavorful chicken without any fuss in the kitchen.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that’s key to achieving that authentic Korean BBQ taste.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings sharp, fragrant notes that awaken the palate beautifully.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Adds a warm, zesty kick that balances the savory and sweet elements.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Foundation for that deep umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown sugar: Introduces natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang to brighten the dish’s profile and cut through richness.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The secret weapon that delivers moderate heat and a unique fermented complexity.
- Honey: Smooths out the flavors with a gentle floral sweetness.
- Green onions (chopped): Fresh, crisp bite and vibrant color for garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Toasty crunch on top that’s irresistible and adds visual appeal.
- Steamed rice and kimchi (optional for serving): Classic accompaniments that complete this Korean BBQ experience.
How to Make Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Sauté for about a minute until their wonderful fragrances fill the air — this simple step releases the essential oils and infuses the oil with bold Korean flavors that will carry through the dish.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Next, whisk in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang, and honey. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly over 2 to 3 minutes. This melding phase is where sweet, tangy, and spicy notes blend into a perfectly balanced glaze that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Once the sauce is just right, add your shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet. Toss and stir to make sure every piece is lavishly coated with that savory, glossy sauce. Warm through for about 5 minutes to let the chicken absorb all the flavors, turning it from simple leftover meat into a mouthwatering Korean BBQ main event.
Step 4: Garnish and Finish
Before serving, sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These little touches add freshness, texture, and a lively pop of color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe to restaurant-worthy status, don’t skip the chopped green onions and sesame seeds—these simple garnishes add brightness and a toasty crunch. A wedge of lime or some finely sliced red chili can also bring an extra zing if you love a little heat and acidity.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice, which is a classic Korean BBQ accompaniment that soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce. For those wanting a more vegetable-forward meal, serving it alongside sautéed bok choy, roasted broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad provides refreshing contrast. And of course, a side of tangy kimchi brings authentic fermented flavor and a nice bite that complements the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving the Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe as a filling for lettuce wraps topped with crunchy shredded carrots and pickled daikon for a fresh, handheld treat. Alternatively, use it as a topping on a baked sweet potato for a comforting yet bright flavor combo. This versatile chicken also works beautifully stirred into a noodle bowl with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you make extra, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or easy dinners during your busy week. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe in portions within tightly sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the texture and flavors as much as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly without drying out. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of water or a little extra sesame oil can help keep the meat juicy.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! You can roast your own chicken or use leftover cooked chicken. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the sauce. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds extra flavor from the get-go.
How spicy is this Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe?
The spiciness mainly comes from gochujang, which has a moderate heat level combined with sweetness. You can adjust it up or down depending on your preference—add more gochujang for heat or less if you want it milder.
What if I don’t have gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with a mix of chili paste and a little miso paste or even a spicy barbecue sauce to get close to the flavor profile, but nothing beats the authentic depth gochujang provides.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
While this recipe is built around shredded rotisserie chicken, you can easily swap in shredded jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and use vegetarian-friendly soy sauce.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
To keep the Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce. Most other ingredients like gochujang and rice vinegar are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels to be safe.
Final Thoughts
This Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a fantastic way to impress your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your cooking rotation.
Print
Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Description
Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken is a flavorful twist on a classic, combining tender store-bought rotisserie chicken with bold, savory-sweet Korean BBQ flavors. This quick and easy recipe maximizes taste with minimal prep, featuring a spicy gochujang sauce sautéed on the stovetop and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (skin removed and meat shredded)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Optional for Serving
- Steamed rice
- Kimchi
Instructions
- Heat the oil and aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and aromatic.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon gochujang, and 1 tablespoon honey. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and flavors to meld.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece in the sauce. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully flavored by the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds on top. Serve the Korean BBQ chicken hot over steamed rice, with kimchi or sautéed vegetables on the side for an authentic Korean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang according to your heat preference.
- You can substitute leftover roast chicken or turkey if rotisserie chicken is not available.
- This dish stores well for meal prep—keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
