Dive into the flavors of Korean cuisine with this savory and slightly spicy Grilled Chicken Breasts recipe. Marinated in a blend of traditional Korean ingredients, these chicken breasts are grilled to perfection, providing a delicious and satisfying meal for both weeknights and special occasions.
The ingredients for this recipe are easily found in most supermarkets, but there might be a few items you'll need to look out for. Sesame oil and soy sauce are staples in Asian cooking, often found in the international aisle. Fresh ginger and garlic are used in this marinade for their strong, aromatic flavors. Look for sesame seeds in the spice aisle, they add a nutty crunch to the dish. Lastly, you'll need scallions, also known as green onions, for their sharp, fresh flavor.
Ingredients for Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts: The star of the show, these will be marinated and grilled to perfection.
Soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami flavor to the marinade.
Apple sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Yellow onion: Used in the marinade for its sweet and savory flavor.
Sesame oil: Gives the dish its signature nutty flavor.
Ginger: A spice that adds a warm, spicy kick.
Light brown sugar: Balances out the saltiness and spice with sweetness.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the marinade.
Red pepper flakes: Brings heat to the dish, adjust to taste.
Sesame seeds: Used as a garnish for a nutty crunch.
Scallions: Adds a fresh, sharp flavor and a pop of color.
One reader, Cherye Romeo says:
This Korean grilled chicken recipe is a game-changer! The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, and the grilling process locks in the juiciness. The result is tender, succulent chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It's a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, easy-to-make meals!
Techniques Required for Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts
How to pound chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, in a ziploc bag and pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick, being careful not to puncture the bag.
How to marinate chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, apple sauce, onion, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes, if using, and sesame seeds. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade and transfer the remainder to the ziploc bag with the chicken. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour.
How to grill chicken: Over medium-high heat, grill the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes or until it no longer sticks to the grill. Turn the chicken, spoon the reserved ¼ cup of marinade over each breast, and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
How To Make Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbchicken breasts,skinless, cut in half lengthwise
- ¼cuplow sodium soy sauce,or gluten-free soy sauce
- ¼cupapple sauce,unsweetened
- ¼cupyellow onion,finely chopped
- 1tspsesame oil
- 1tspginger,grated
- 1tbsplight brown sugar
- 2garlic cloves,crushed
- 1tspred pepper flakes,optional
- 1tspsesame seeds,plus more for topping
- 2scallions,(white and green parts), thinly sliced
Instructions
-
Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, in a Ziploc bag. Pound the chicken breast to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick, being careful not to puncture the bag.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, apple sauce, onion, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes, if using, and sesame seeds. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade and transfer the remainder to the Ziploc bag with the chicken. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour.
-
Over medium-high heat, grill the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes or until it no longer sticks to the grill. Turn the chicken, spoon the reserved ¼ cup of marinade over each breast and grill an addition 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 243.05kcal
- Fat: 12.10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.90g
- Carbohydrates: 7.21g
- Fiber: 0.83g
- Sugar: 4.41g
- Protein: 25.62g
- Cholesterol: 72.57mg
- Sodium: 647.99mg
- Calcium: 37.64mg
- Potassium: 370.38mg
- Iron: 1.39mg
- Vitamin A: 33.67µg
- Vitamin C: 5.94mg
Technique Tip for Perfectly Grilled Korean Chicken Breasts
When grilling chicken, it's important to remember that the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the meat. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly, preventing the thinner parts from drying out before the thicker parts are fully cooked. Also, marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful dish. Lastly, remember to reserve some marinade before adding the chicken. This prevents cross-contamination and allows you to have a fresh, clean sauce to spoon over the cooked chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Korean Chicken Recipe
Marinate efficiently: Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender for a quick and thorough mix.
Prep ahead: Pound and marinate the chicken the night before for a time-saving step on the day of cooking.
Grill in batches: Cook all the chicken at once and store the extra for future meals to save time and effort.
Use a grill pan: If a grill isn't available, a grill pan on the stovetop can be a convenient alternative for cooking the chicken.
Substitute Ingredients For Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, providing a similar texture and taste when grilled.
low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos offer a similar umami flavor and saltiness to soy sauce, making it a suitable substitute for those looking for a gluten-free or soy-free option.
apple sauce - Substitute with mashed bananas: Mashed bananas can provide natural sweetness and moisture, similar to apple sauce, while adding a hint of fruity flavor to the marinade.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, offering a milder and slightly sweeter flavor to the marinade.
sesame oil - Substitute with toasted walnut oil: Toasted walnut oil can impart a nutty flavor similar to sesame oil, adding depth to the marinade.
ginger - Substitute with ground turmeric: Ground turmeric can provide a warm and earthy flavor similar to ginger, while also offering anti-inflammatory properties.
light brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of brown sugar, adding a touch of sweetness and caramelization to the marinade.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar pungent flavor to the marinade.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes): Gochugaru can be used to maintain the authentic Korean flavor profile, adding heat and a slightly smoky taste to the marinade.
sesame seeds - Substitute with crushed peanuts: Crushed peanuts can offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor similar to sesame seeds, enhancing the overall dish with a different type of nuttiness.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color to the finished dish.
Presenting Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts Beautifully
Elevate the chicken breasts: Carefully slice the grilled chicken breasts into elegant, angled slices to showcase the tender, juicy texture.
Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds: Sprinkle finely chopped scallions and sesame seeds over the grilled chicken to add a pop of color and a delightful nutty flavor.
Arrange on a bed of greens: Place the grilled chicken breasts on a vibrant bed of mixed greens to add freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
Drizzle with reserved marinade: Artfully drizzle the reserved marinade over the plated chicken breasts to add a glossy finish and a burst of flavor.
Serve with a side of pickled vegetables: Accompany the grilled chicken with a side of pickled vegetables, such as radishes and cucumbers, to provide a tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
Storing and Freezing Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Once the chicken breasts have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, wrap the cooled chicken breasts individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen grilled chicken breasts can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To maintain the best quality, it's important to minimize exposure to air and prevent freezer burn.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, consume the chicken within 2 days.
- To reheat, place the thawed chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave, covered, on high power for 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts
To reheat leftover korean grilled chicken breasts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. For added moisture, you can drizzle a little chicken broth or water over the chicken before reheating.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can quickly dry out in the microwave.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a little oil or butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover chicken, try slicing it and adding it to a stir-fry with some fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers and create a whole new meal.
For a cold option, slice the leftover chicken and serve it over a salad with your favorite dressing. The cold chicken will be refreshing and delicious, and it's a great way to enjoy leftovers on a hot day.
Random Fact About Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts
The marinade for this Korean grilled chicken breasts recipe is a delicious blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of apple sauce with the savory notes of soy sauce and the heat of red pepper flakes. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible taste but also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy and flavorful grilled chicken breasts.
Is Making Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts at Home Economical?
This Korean grilled chicken breasts recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The use of chicken breasts and basic pantry staples keeps the cost low. With an approximate cost of $10-$15 for a household of 4, this recipe offers a budget-friendly option for a flavorful meal. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8/10, considering its affordability, simplicity, and delicious outcome.
Is This Korean Chicken Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Korean grilled chicken breast recipe is a healthier option compared to many other grilled chicken recipes. Here's why:
- The recipe uses lean chicken breasts, which are low in fat and high in protein.
- The marinade consists of mostly low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredients like soy sauce, apple sauce, onion, ginger, and garlic.
- The use of light brown sugar and sesame oil adds flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count.
- The recipe incorporates red pepper flakes and sesame seeds, which provide additional flavor and texture while offering some health benefits.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Replace the soy sauce with a low-sodium alternative or use less of it to reduce the overall sodium content.
- Opt for unsweetened apple sauce to minimize added sugars.
- Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit instead of light brown sugar to further reduce the calorie and sugar content.
- Increase the amount of ginger and garlic in the marinade, as these ingredients have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Serve the grilled chicken with a side of quinoa or brown rice and a leafy green salad to create a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
Editor's Thoughts on Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts
This Korean grilled chicken breasts recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The marinade's combination of soy sauce, apple sauce, and aromatic spices creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. The grilling process ensures a juicy and tender texture, while the sesame seeds and scallions add a delightful crunch and freshness. It's a wonderful dish that showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Korean cuisine, and it's sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Korean Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality chicken breasts and a flavorful marinade made with low sodium soy sauce, apple sauce, and aromatic ingredients like ginger and garlic. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the grilling method, ensures juicy and tender chicken with a delicious caramelized exterior. The use of sesame oil and sesame seeds adds a nutty depth, while the inclusion of scallions provides a fresh finish. The careful attention to detail in the preparation and cooking process guarantees a trusty and delightful Korean grilled chicken breasts experience.
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