Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich brings the bold, savory flavors of Korean barbecue to a delicious and satisfying sandwich. This fusion recipe combines tender grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and spicy Korean BBQ sauce, with fresh vegetables, a creamy spread, and a soft, toasted bun. The smoky, caramelized flavor of the grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce, creating a mouthwatering sandwich experience. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a flavorful dinner, or a sandwich that will impress your guests, this Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the perfect choice.

This sandwich is a fun and easy way to enjoy Korean BBQ flavors at home. The chicken, marinated with traditional ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and gochujang (Korean chili paste), is grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky, slightly charred crust with a juicy, tender interior. Paired with a toasted bun, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of creamy sauce, this sandwich is as flavorful as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich

• Bold Korean Flavors: The marinade for the chicken, featuring ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and gochujang, gives the sandwich a unique and complex flavor profile. The umami, sweetness, and heat come together in perfect harmony.
• Juicy, Grilled Chicken: The chicken is marinated for optimal flavor, ensuring it is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky depth that elevates the taste.
• Perfect Sandwich Texture: The grilled chicken’s juiciness pairs with the crunchy, fresh vegetables and the soft, toasted bun for the perfect balance of textures. The sauce and pickles add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Customizable and Versatile: This sandwich can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the level of spice, swap out vegetables, or add additional toppings to make it your own.
• Easy to Make: While it may sound fancy, this sandwich is simple to prepare and can be made in less than 30 minutes. With the right ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in no time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2 sandwiches
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-600 calories per sandwich, depending on the choice of bun and toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 soft sandwich buns (brioche, ciabatta, or sesame)
• Fresh lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens)
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for extra spice)
• 1 tablespoon pickled red onions (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)

Special Equipment

Although making a Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich doesn’t require specialized equipment, a few items will make your preparation process easier:

1. Grill or Grill Pan: To achieve the signature grilled flavor, you’ll need a grill or a grill pan. This allows the chicken to cook quickly while obtaining that smoky charred exterior.
2. Whisk or Small Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a small mixing bowl to whisk together the marinade for the chicken. A whisk is helpful to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Tongs: Use tongs to flip the chicken while grilling, ensuring even cooking without piercing the meat and losing valuable juices.
4. Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and pickled onions, as well as cutting the grilled chicken into portions for your sandwich.
5. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and slicing the chicken after grilling.
6. Grill Thermometer: A thermometer ensures that the chicken is cooked through to the proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C), guaranteeing that it’s both juicy and safe to eat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade for the Chicken

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. The sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor, while the gochujang gives the marinade its signature heat and depth. Honey or brown sugar helps balance the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Once the marinade ingredients are well combined, place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure the meat is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, though marinating for up to 1 hour will yield even better flavor.

2. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once heated, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Grill the chicken without moving it too much, allowing it to develop a nice char on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. If you’re using a grill pan, you can press down gently on the chicken with a spatula to help it sear evenly.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping it tender and moist.

3. Prepare the Sandwich Components

While the chicken rests, slice the sandwich buns in half and toast them lightly on the grill or in a toaster. Toasting the buns adds extra flavor and ensures they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy chicken and sauce.

Next, prepare the fresh vegetables. Thinly slice the cucumber and julienne or thinly slice the carrot. If you’re using pickled red onions, have them ready as well. These ingredients will add crunch, freshness, and tang to balance out the rich, smoky flavors of the chicken.

If you’d like a creamy element to your sandwich, mix mayonnaise or sour cream with sriracha in a small bowl for a spicy, creamy spread. Adjust the amount of sriracha depending on your preferred spice level.

4. Assemble the Sandwich

Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips against the grain for a tender bite. Place the grilled chicken on the bottom half of each toasted sandwich bun.

Top the chicken with a generous spoonful of the creamy sriracha sauce (or plain mayo if preferred). Add fresh lettuce, cucumber slices, and carrot ribbons to the sandwich. For extra flavor and crunch, you can add pickled red onions and a sprinkle of cilantro leaves.

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds to bring a touch of authenticity to the sandwich. These seeds add a subtle nutty flavor that complements the savory, spicy chicken.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and press down gently to hold everything together. Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately, while the chicken is still warm and juicy.

Enjoy this Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich with a side of crispy fries, a light salad, or a refreshing drink.

Tips for Perfect Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich

• Marinate the Chicken Well: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. At least 15 minutes is necessary, but marinating for up to an hour will allow the flavors to infuse the chicken even more.
• Grill the Chicken to Perfection: Be mindful not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and remains juicy. Letting the chicken rest after grilling also ensures it stays tender.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to adjust the toppings based on your preferences. Add avocado for creaminess, swap out carrots for bell peppers, or add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce if you like extra heat.
• Toast the Buns for Extra Flavor: Lightly toasting the buns not only adds flavor but also prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy when you add the juicy grilled chicken and sauce.
• Balance the Sweetness and Spice: The marinade already has a balance of sweet and spicy, but feel free to adjust the amount of honey, gochujang, or sriracha to get the level of heat and sweetness you prefer.

Variations of Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich

• Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Kimchi: Add a few spoonfuls of kimchi for an extra layer of tangy, spicy flavor. The fermented cabbage will add complexity and a delightful crunch to the sandwich.
• Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado: For a creamier, richer sandwich, add slices of ripe avocado to the sandwich. The buttery texture of the avocado balances out the spice and richness of the chicken.
• Korean BBQ Grilled Tofu Sandwich: For a vegetarian version, swap the grilled chicken for mar

inated tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating and grilling for a meaty texture.

• Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Wrap: If you want a lighter option, you can wrap the grilled chicken and vegetables in a soft flour tortilla instead of a sandwich bun. It’s a delicious and portable way to enjoy the flavors.

Storage and Shelf Life

While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the leftover grilled chicken and any unassembled ingredients for later use:

• Grilled Chicken: Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill to preserve its moisture.
• Vegetables: Fresh vegetables should be kept separate from the sandwich to avoid sogginess. Store them in a container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Sauces: Store any leftover sriracha mayo or sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich

• Sweet Potato Fries: These fries are a perfect accompaniment, offering a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken. You can bake or fry them for a crispy, delicious side.
• Kimchi: As an authentic Korean side dish, kimchi pairs wonderfully with this sandwich. Its tangy, spicy flavor complements the richness of the chicken.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar adds a cooling element to balance the heat of the sandwich.
• Cold Beer or Iced Tea: Pair your sandwich with a cold beer, such as a light lager, or a refreshing iced tea to complement the bold flavors of the chicken.

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Conclusion

The Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a flavor-packed meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Korean BBQ to the classic sandwich. With juicy, marinated chicken, a creamy sriracha sauce, fresh vegetables, and a soft, toasted bun, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite. Its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes it a perfect choice for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a solo lunch, this sandwich is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the bold, smoky flavors of Korean BBQ in the comfort of your own home!