Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving something vibrant, comforting, and full of bold flavors, the Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is your new go-to meal. This dish masterfully balances the heat of gochujang Korean chili paste with the sweetness of honey and the savory depth of soy sauce and garlic, all atop a bed of fluffy white rice. Each bite brings a delightful mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a sauce that clings with just the right amount of spice, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in building the final dish. From the luscious marinade bursting with umami to the fresh vegetables adding crunch and color, every component is essential.

• 2 cups cooked white rice: The perfect base that soaks up all the flavorful sauce and keeps things comforting.
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these thighs absorb marinade better than breasts for maximum flavor.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds salty depth and umami to the marinade.
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste): Brings the signature spicy kick that defines this dish.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Balances heat with a light, natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Gives an irresistible nutty aroma and richness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses bold, fragrant flavor.
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds a fresh zing that brightens the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Necessary for searing the chicken to a perfect char.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides a fresh, sharp garnish finish.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds crunch and an extra nuttiness.
• 1 cup steamed broccoli (optional): A healthy, vibrant veggie addition for texture and color.
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional): Brightens the bowl with sweetness and crunch.

How to Make Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

This step is where the magic begins. Whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl. This marinade delivers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes that will infuse every bite of chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs into the marinade and coat each piece well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours creates an even more robust taste experience.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade but keep that flavorful liquid! Sear the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and develops a beautiful char that enhances both flavor and texture.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step thickens the sauce, concentrating its flavor to coat the chicken perfectly when you return it to the pan or drizzle over the bowl.

Step 5: Slice and Assemble

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this keeps it juicy. Slice it thinly and arrange over bowls filled with warm cooked rice. Top with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and spoon over extra sauce from the skillet to tie everything together.

How to Serve Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl

Garnishes

Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add fresh bursts of flavor and delightful crunch. Their subtle pungency and nuttiness elevate the dish’s appearance and taste beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside simple sides like kimchi for a spicy, fermented contrast or a crisp cucumber salad that cools the palate. Light miso soup or steamed edamame also complement the spicy richness of the chicken bowl with their delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also turn it into a lunchbox favorite by packing the components separately to keep the veggies crisp and the chicken juicy until mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken, rice, and vegetables in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate helps prevent sogginess and maintains that fresh, spicy flavor when reheated.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Rice doesn’t always freeze and reheat with the same texture, so it’s best to cook fresh rice when reheating the meal.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Warm the rice separately, then assemble the bowl fresh with your preferred garnishes to keep everything tasting just as vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful, but chicken breasts work fine too. Just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out faster.

What if I don’t have gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute with a mix of chili paste or Sriracha combined with a bit of miso paste or soy sauce to mimic the flavor, though the authentic taste might be slightly different.

Is this dish very spicy?

The Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl has a noticeable heat level from the gochujang, but it’s balanced with honey’s sweetness. You can always adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use a vegan-friendly soy sauce. Keep the marinade the same for that authentic spicy-sweet flavor profile.

How do I get the perfect char on the chicken?

Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed on each side to develop a nice caramelized crust.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl is such a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. It’s full of flavor, quick to make, and delicious in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find yourself craving it again and again!

Print