Name: Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 whole seedless cucumber; 1 cup rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon grated garlic; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1-2 tablespoons gochujang; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon Korean BBQ Rub; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ¼ cup mayo; 1-2 tablespoons sriracha; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce; Sandwich buns or rolls

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If you’re looking for a sandwich that packs a punch of flavor and is perfect for any occasion, then the Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich is just what you need! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements that leave everyone craving more. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering, this sandwich is sure to impress your loved ones.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients and some quick prep, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. Plus, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and kids alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of Korean BBQ spices and tangy sauces makes every bite a delightful experience.
Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 30 minutes, you can whip this up on even the busiest nights.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and spicy flavors, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time for extra convenience during busy days.
Versatile Ingredients: The simple ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted based on your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward these ingredients are! Each one adds to the flavor profile of the Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich while keeping things wholesome.

For the Pickled Cucumbers

1 whole seedless cucumber (sliced into 1/8 inch rounds)
1 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup ice (heaping cup)
extra water (to top off container)

For the Marinade

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1-2 tablespoons gochujang (depends on your heat tolerance)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon Korean BBQ Rub
2 tablespoons water (for a slurry)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for a slurry)
¼ cup mayo
1-2 tablespoons sriracha (depending on your heat tolerance)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce

For the Chicken

2.5 pounds chicken thighs (boneless skinless and trimmed of extra fat) (about 8 – 10 thighs)
¼ cup Korean BBQ rub

For Serving

Sandwich buns or rolls

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative based on your taste preferences or dietary needs!

Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Change up the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for unique flavors.
Add some crunch: Toss in shredded carrots or sliced radishes for extra texture in your sandwich.
Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps instead of traditional sandwich rolls.

How to Make Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Cucumbers

Start by making those zesty pickled cucumbers! In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, salt, sugar, ice, and enough water to cover the cucumber slices. Let them soak while you prepare everything else. This quick pickling adds an irresistible crunch and tanginess that balances out the richness of the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In another bowl, mix together sesame oil, grated garlic, grated ginger, low sodium soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Toss in your chicken thighs along with half of this marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes — this step infuses so much flavor into the meat!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or air fryer to medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade from the chicken before placing it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. This method ensures juicy chicken with those beautiful grill marks!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While your chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise with sriracha, sesame oil, and low sodium soy sauce in a small bowl. This creamy sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and spice — perfect for drizzling over your sandwich!

Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Once everything is ready, grab your sandwich buns! Layer grilled chicken thighs with pickled cucumbers and drizzle generously with your creamy sauce. Enjoy each bite as all those wonderful flavors come together beautifully!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

To elevate your Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich experience, here are some handy tips that can make a difference!

Marinate Overnight: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight intensifies the flavors and leads to a juicier, more tender result.
Preheat the Grill: Ensuring your grill is hot before adding the chicken creates those irresistible grill marks and helps keep the meat juicy.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures it’s safely cooked while remaining tender and flavorful.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting your sandwich buns adds a delightful crunch and prevents them from getting soggy when filled with sauce.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to add fresh veggies like lettuce or jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Serving your Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich can be as creative as it is delicious! Here are some ideas to present this mouthwatering dish.

Garnishes

Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and an appealing visual element.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro provides a burst of freshness that complements the spicy sweetness of the sandwich.

Side Dishes

Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast in flavor.
Kimchi Slaw: This crunchy side made from cabbage, carrots, and kimchi dressing adds tanginess and spice that pairs perfectly with your sandwich.
Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sliced cucumbers balances the richness of the chicken.
Steamed Rice: Simple steamed rice acts as a neutral companion to soak up any leftover sauce from your sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich is perfect for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze. You can prepare the components in advance and store them properly for delicious meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the sandwich components to cool completely before storing.
Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Store any pickled cucumbers separately to maintain their crunch.
Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Let the chicken cool before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
For best results, freeze the sauce separately to maintain its flavor and texture.

Reheating

Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat chicken on a grill or stovetop over medium heat until warmed through (about 5-7 minutes).
If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the pickled cucumbers a day ahead. Just grill and assemble when you’re ready to serve!

What makes this Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich so special?

The unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors from gochujang and honey, combined with the freshness of pickled cucumbers, elevates this sandwich beyond your ordinary BBQ fare.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for another protein in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to use boneless skinless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How spicy is the Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of gochujang used. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to bring bold flavors into your kitchen while satisfying your cravings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings and make it truly yours. Happy cooking!