Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Sweet. Spicy. Saucy. Everything you want in a good sandwich. The Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner. This sandwich combines juicy grilled chicken with flavorful sauces and crunchy toppings, making it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll have this delicious sandwich ready in no time.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of Korean BBQ rub and gochujang offers a delightful mix of sweet and spicy that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the toppings to suit your taste—add more veggies or switch up the sauces for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Great for serving at parties or casual get-togethers, this sandwich is sure to impress your guests.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the savory flavors packed into each bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Proper equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Mixing bowls: Keeps ingredients organized while allowing for easy mixing of sauces and marinades.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise measurements for balanced flavors, especially important in recipes with spices.

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Ingredients

Sweet. Spicy. Saucy. Everything you want in a good sandwich.

For the Pickled Cucumber

• 1 whole seedless cucumber (sliced into 1/8 inch rounds)
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup ice (heaping cup)
• extra water (to top off container)

For the Marinade

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons gochujang (depends on your heat tolerance)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For the Slurry

• 1 tablespoon Korean BBQ Rub
• 2 tablespoons water (for a slurry)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for a slurry)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 – 2 tablespoons sriracha (depending on your heat tolerance)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce

For the Chicken Sandwich

• 2.5 pounds chicken thighs (boneless skinless and trimmed of extra fat) (about 8 – 10 thighs)
• ¼ cup Korean BBQ rub
• Sandwich buns or rolls

How to Make Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Cucumber

• In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, salt, sugar, ice, and enough water to fill your container.
• Add cucumber slices to the mixture and let them pickle while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• In another bowl, mix together sesame oil, grated garlic, grated ginger, low sodium soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar.
• Coat chicken thighs in this marinade thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Remove chicken from marinade and sprinkle with Korean BBQ rub.
• Grill chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sriracha, sesame oil, and low sodium soy sauce until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches

• Slice your sandwich buns or rolls in half.
• Spread a generous amount of sauce on each bun half.
• Place grilled chicken on bottom halves followed by pickled cucumbers.
• Top with other half of bun and serve immediately.

Enjoy your deliciously bold Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich!

How to Serve Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Serving the Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this flavorful sandwich.

With Pickled Vegetables

• Pickled cucumber and radish add a refreshing crunch that balances the sandwich’s spicy profile.

With Coleslaw

• A creamy coleslaw on the side offers a cool contrast to the spicy chicken, making each bite more enjoyable.

With Sweet Potato Fries

• Crispy sweet potato fries bring a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements of the sandwich.

With Kimchi

• Traditional kimchi adds an extra kick and tang, enhancing the overall taste with its fermented goodness.

With Asian Slaw

• An Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings freshness and texture to your meal.

As a Platter

• Serve multiple sandwiches on a platter alongside various dipping sauces for a fun sharing experience.

How to Perfect Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Creating the perfect Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich involves attention to detail in preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to get it just right.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least two hours helps deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat.

• Preheat Your Grill: Ensuring that your grill is hot before cooking will give your chicken beautiful grill marks and enhance flavor via caramelization.

• Use Bone-In Thighs: For even juicier results, consider using bone-in thighs instead of boneless. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Prepare Extra Sauce: Keep some extra sauce on hand for drizzling on top or as a dip for those who enjoy more flavor.

• Toast Your Buns: Lightly grilling or toasting your sandwich buns adds crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy from the fillings.

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add avocado slices, jalapeños, or cilantro for extra flavor layers in your sandwich.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing complements the spicy flavors of the sandwich perfectly.

2. Miso Soup: This warm, comforting soup provides a nice contrast and enhances the meal’s umami notes.

3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color, balancing out the richness of the chicken.

4. Stir-Fried Noodles: Quick stir-fried noodles with vegetables offer a hearty side that pairs well with sandwiches.

5. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a simple yet satisfying finger food option.

6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites of spicy chicken while adding natural sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing a Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, for the best taste.
• Not Properly Slicing Veggies: Cutting vegetables unevenly can affect the texture and presentation of the sandwich. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly and look appealing.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality sauces or condiments can ruin your sandwich. Invest in good-quality soy sauce and sesame oil for authentic flavor.
• Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many items on the grill at once can lower the temperature and cause uneven cooking. Grill in batches to ensure everything cooks thoroughly.
• Ignoring Temperature Control: Cooking chicken at too high a temperature can lead to burnt outsides and raw insides. Use medium heat and check doneness with a meat thermometer.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• You can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich.

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay moist and flavorful during grilling.

Can I make this sandwich spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of gochujang or sriracha based on your heat preference for a spicier kick.

How do I customize my Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich?

You can add toppings like pickled carrots, jalapeños, or fresh herbs for extra flavor and texture.

Is there a vegetarian alternative?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu marinated in the same sauce.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different toppings or sauces to suit your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious twist on your next sandwich night!