Korean Roast Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Korean

Korean Roast Chicken features tender chicken thighs glazed in a savory, sweet, and aromatic marinade of soy, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, perfect for flavorful weeknight dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large package chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 3 tablespoons dark sesame seed oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger root or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish.
  2. Combine soy sauce, chopped green onions, sesame seed oil, honey, garlic, pepper, and ginger in a bowl.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs.
  4. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 45 minutes.
  5. Turn the chicken and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for several hours or overnight. If you're out of dark sesame oil, you can substitute with regular sesame oil or even olive oil. Fresh garlic and ginger are best, but ground versions can still be used in a pinch. To add a kick, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

This Korean roast chicken pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa and steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. Consider trying it with a side of Ajiaco De Pollo Bogotano(Soup) for a comforting touch to your dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Korean roast chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. It can also be enjoyed cold in salads.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Korean Roast Chicken contains roughly 300 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2149mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).

300 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 27.9g 36% DV
Carbs 9.3g 3% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 3.3g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2149.4mg 93% DV
Potassium 284.9mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 9.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.9mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 27.7mg 31% DV
Calcium 31mg 2% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
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 chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may require a slightly shorter cooking time, approximately 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out, and consider marinating for the same amount of time for flavor.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is versatile and pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! Once cooled, store the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave for the best texture.

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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