Korean Chicken Skewers

The sizzle of chicken over a hot grill fills the air with an irresistible aroma, reminding me of summer gatherings and shared meals. Korean Chicken Skewers are a delicious way to enjoy tender, marinated chicken thighs packed with flavor; they take just a little prep time and reward you with a savory, sweet finish that’s sure to wow your family and friends. The marinade is what makes this dish work, infusing each bite with layers of taste that contrast beautifully with the smoky grill.

This recipe is perfect for outdoor cookouts or casual weeknight dinners, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike. You can marinate the chicken thighs a day in advance for an easy make-ahead option that brings bold flavors to the table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The marinade creates a perfect balance between sweet and savory.
• The chicken remains juicy and tender when grilled.
• Chunks of chicken cook quickly, allowing for fast meal prep.
• It’s easy to make ahead and grill just before serving.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for this flavorful dish.

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 1/2" cubes

For the Marinade

• 2 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp gochujang

For Serving

• chopped green onions, optional garnish

Substitutions can include chicken breast for thighs.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for gluten-free.
• Brown sugar works well with coconut sugar.
• Gochujang can be substituted with Sriracha for spice.

How to Make It

Here’s how to prepare your Korean Chicken Skewers.

1. Cut chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into 1 1/2" cubes and toss them in a large bowl.

2. Make the marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and gochujang to create the marinade.

3. Marinate chicken

Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and mix to fully coat. Cover and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

4. Prepare remaining sauce

Cover the remaining marinade and place it in the fridge for later use when basting the chicken.

5. Skewer the chicken

Once marinated, place the chicken on skewers, ready for grilling. Preheat your grill to medium heat.

6. Grill the skewers

Place the skewers on a lightly oiled grill and turn every 3-4 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste with the reserved sauce.

7. Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and serve with chopped green onions as a garnish, if using, along with your favorite side dishes.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze uncooked for best results.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked perfectly.
• Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling for juiciness.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed rice for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
• Offer a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.