Korean Marinade Chicken

Prep: 12 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Korean

Juicy, flavorful Korean-style chicken marinated in soy, garlic, sesame, and brown sugar, perfect for grilling and enjoyed by those who love savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic, smashed
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seed oil
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seed
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Wesson vegetable oil
  • 4 to 6 boneless chicken breasts, skinned

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together, except chicken; mix well.
  2. Rinse chicken and place in a deep bowl.
  3. Pour marinade over chicken. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Shake occasionally during marination.
  5. Prepare grill as usual when ready.
  6. Wait until briquets turn white as directed.
  7. Place chicken on grill.
  8. Use remaining marinade for basting.
  9. Cook chicken until thoroughly cooked, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 12 hours. If you're out of sesame seed oil, you can substitute with olive oil, though the flavor will vary. Adjust the brown sugar according to your sweetness preference; you can also use honey as a substitute. If grilling isn't an option, consider baking at 375°F until cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Arroz Caldo(Chix-Rice Soup) or Macadamia And Pineapple Rice Pilaf for a delightful contrast. Drizzle with additional sesame seeds before serving for added crunch and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Korean Marinade Chicken contains roughly 633 calories, with 10g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2701mg per serving (117% of the Daily Value).

633 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.6g 19% DV
Total Fat 58.4g 75% DV
Carbs 21.1g 8% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 12.1g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2701.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 272mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 73.2mg 24% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 826.2mcg 92% DV
Vitamin C 2.7mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 44.3mg 3% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Contains Soy Sesame

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in pieces may take a bit longer to cook than boneless chicken breasts.

What can I do if I don't have soy sauce?

If you don't have soy sauce, you can substitute with tamari, which is gluten-free, or a homemade alternative using balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt. Keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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