Korean Chicken Breasts

Korean Chicken Breasts are a delightful way to enjoy a grilled meal that bursts with flavor. This dish is not only juicy and tender but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The unique combination of ingredients brings out the authentic taste of Korean cuisine, ensuring that every bite leaves you wanting more. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or slicing it for sandwiches, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delicious Flavor: The marinade combines sweet and savory elements, resulting in mouthwatering chicken that stands out.
  • Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time, making it ideal for busy nights.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve Korean Chicken Breasts with rice, salad, or in wraps for a versatile meal choice.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free option that fits into any healthy diet.
  • Easy to Master: Even beginners can create this dish successfully, thanks to simple steps and minimal equipment.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Korean Chicken Breasts effectively, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Ziploc bags
  • Medium bowl
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor on the chicken.
  • Ziploc bags: Ideal for marinating the chicken without mess and allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin: Ensures even thickness of chicken breasts for uniform cooking.
  • Medium bowl: Necessary for mixing the marinade ingredients together easily.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful Korean Chicken Breasts:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
  • 1/4 cup low sodium or gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for topping)
  • 2 thinly sliced scallions (white and green parts)

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Korean Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, inside a Ziploc bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each breast until it’s an even thickness of about ½ inch. Be careful not to puncture the bag during this process.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients:
* 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
* 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
* 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
* 1 tsp sesame oil
* 1 tsp grated ginger
* 1 tbsp light brown sugar
* 2 crushed garlic cloves
* Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Add 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds into the mixture as well. Reserve ¼ cup of this marinade and pour the rest into the Ziploc bag containing the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Grill each breast for about 2 to 3 minutes until they no longer stick. Flip them over carefully; then spoon some reserved marinade over each piece before grilling for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through.

By following these steps, you’ll create juicy and flavorful Korean Chicken Breasts that are sure to be a hit at any meal!

How to Serve Korean Chicken Breasts

Korean Chicken Breasts are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Rice

  • Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the flavorful marinade.
  • Fried Rice: Add some veggies and eggs for a hearty side that complements the chicken.

In Wraps

  • Lettuce Wraps: Use fresh lettuce leaves to create light and refreshing wraps filled with grilled chicken, veggies, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
  • Tortilla Wraps: For a fusion twist, wrap the chicken in tortillas with avocado and salsa.

With Salads

  • Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
  • Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds a cool contrast to the warm grilled chicken.

On Skewers

  • Grilled Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, skewer them with veggies, and grill for a fun presentation.

How to Perfect Korean Chicken Breasts

To ensure your Korean Chicken Breasts turn out juicy and flavorful every time, follow these helpful tips.

  • Bold Marinade: Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
  • Bold Pounding Technique: Pound the breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly on the grill.
  • Bold Temperature Control: Preheat your grill properly before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve those perfect grill marks.
  • Bold Basting: Spoon reserved marinade over the chicken while grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Bold Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy by allowing the juices to redistribute.
  • Bold Garnish Options: Don’t forget to sprinkle additional sesame seeds and scallions on top before serving for added flavor and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Chicken Breasts

Pair your Korean Chicken Breasts with these delightful side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.

  1. Kimchi: A spicy fermented dish that adds a tangy kick to your plate.
  2. Bok Choy Stir-Fry: Quick stir-fried bok choy tossed in soy sauce enhances the meal’s Asian flair.
  3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli complements the grilled flavors nicely.
  4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables offers a healthy alternative packed with protein.
  5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
  6. Miso Soup: Warm miso soup is comforting and rounds out your dinner beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Chicken Breasts, it’s important to steer clear of a few common pitfalls. These mistakes can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

  • Over-marinating: Marinating the chicken for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Stick to 1-2 hours for the best results.
  • Skipping the pounding step: Not pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness can result in uneven cooking. Make sure each piece is about ½ inch thick.
  • Not reserving marinade: Forgetting to save some marinade for basting during grilling will limit flavor. Always set aside a portion before adding it to the chicken.
  • Grilling at too high heat: Cooking on extremely high heat can cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for medium-high heat for even cooking.
  • Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling can let juices escape. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to maintain juiciness.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store cooked Korean Chicken Breasts in an airtight container in your refrigerator.
  • They will stay fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored.

Freezing Korean Chicken Breasts

  • For longer storage, place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
  • Frozen chicken breasts can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Korean Chicken Breasts

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and reheat on medium power in short increments of 1-2 minutes until heated thoroughly.
  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and cover. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate Korean Chicken Breasts?

Marinate your chicken breasts for at least 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours for optimal flavor without compromising texture.

Can I use skin-on chicken breasts?

While skin-on chicken breasts can be used, they may require adjustments in cooking time and temperature. Skin adds fat that can influence flavor and moisture.

What sides pair well with Korean Chicken Breasts?

Korean Chicken Breasts go well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. These sides complement the flavors beautifully.

How do I ensure my Korean Chicken Breasts are juicy?

Pound the chicken evenly before marinating and avoid overcooking it on the grill. Letting it rest after cooking also helps retain juices.

Final Thoughts

Korean Chicken Breasts are a delightful blend of flavors that make any meal special. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or adding different marinades according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how juicy and flavorful it turns out!

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Korean Chicken Breasts

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Korean Chicken Breasts are a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy and tender, these grilled chicken breasts are infused with a flavorful marinade that combines sweet and savory elements, making them irresistible. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes of prep time. Whether served on a plate with rice or sliced in wraps, these Korean Chicken Breasts will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the authentic taste of Korean cuisine with minimal effort!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • Optional: 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch using a meat mallet.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, apple sauce, onion, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes (if desired), and sesame seeds.
  3. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade and pour the remaining over the chicken in a Ziploc bag. Seal and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill each breast for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, basting with reserved marinade until cooked through.
  • Author: Diary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
  • Calories: 225
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 490mg
  • Fat: 4.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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