Name: Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey-Ginger Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: ½ cup coconut aminos (may substitute soy sauce or tamari); 2 tablespoons pure honey; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon Sriracha; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon); 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (may substitute 1 teaspoon ground ginger); 1 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder; 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (may use chicken breasts); 2 tablespoons cold water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder; 3 cups hot cooked rice; 3-4 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and just the right kick, the Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey-Ginger Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe masterfully combines tender, juicy chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a beautifully balanced glaze that’s sweet, spicy, and packed with ginger and garlic goodness. It’s a go-to for weeknight dinners or a weekend barbecue that will impress friends and family alike. Plus, those sticky, caramelized edges from the glaze? Absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round white bowl filled with raw pink chicken thighs is in the center, surrounded by small bowls with different ingredients. At the top right is a clear glass cup with a dark liquid, below it a small bowl with sesame seeds, and next to it a bowl with a red sauce. To the right bottom side are small bowls with chopped green onions and a light-colored sauce. At the bottom center is a bowl with grated ginger and a fresh ginger root nearby. To the left bottom side is a bowl with a brown spice powder and another with a dark brown liquid. Above it is a bowl with minced garlic, near the left side a white bowl with honey and a wooden dipper inside, and a small bowl with a light powder next to it. All items are set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To nail this recipe, you’ll want to gather a few simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the vibrant flavors and textures. From the naturally sweet coconut aminos to the aromatic sesame oil and fiery Sriracha, every component helps bring this dish to life.

½ cup coconut aminos: A savory, slightly sweet soy sauce alternative that forms the flavorful base of the marinade.
2 tablespoons pure honey: Adds sweetness to balance the spice and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that’s utterly characteristic of Korean BBQ.
1 tablespoon Sriracha: Injects that perfect spicy punch that awakens your taste buds.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a touch of acidity to keep the flavors balanced.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Wow with fresh garlic’s pungency to deepen the glaze’s flavor profile.
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a zesty zing that complements the honey and garlic beautifully.
1 teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder: Adds complexity with warm, fragrant notes that elevate the dish.
2 tablespoons cold water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry for thickening the glaze.
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder: Helps achieve that sticky, lacquered finish on the chicken.
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: The star protein, rich and tender when grilled, perfect for skewering.
3 cups hot cooked rice: Ideal for serving alongside, soaking up all the delicious juices.
3-4 green onions, sliced: Bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion crunch.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for an extra nutty texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey-Ginger Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, Sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, and Chinese 5-spice powder in a medium wide bowl. Mixing these ingredients well ensures the honey dissolves evenly, giving your glaze that signature balance of sweet and spicy.

Step 2: Cut and Marinate the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into 1 ½ to 2-inch chunks—perfect bite-size pieces for skewering. Toss the chicken pieces into your marinade, cover, and refrigerate for anywhere from 30 minutes up to 8 hours. This marinating time lets those bold flavors seep into each juicy piece.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Heat up your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high, aiming for around 350°F to 450°F. A hot grill ensures those mouthwatering char marks and a wonderful smoky flavor that really brings the BBQ experience home.

Step 4: Skewer and Grill the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto metal skewers, letting any excess marinade drip back into the bowl—don’t discard it just yet! Grill over direct heat for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has those beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Honey-Ginger Glaze

Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Prepare a slurry by whisking together cornstarch and cold water, then turn off the heat once the marinade has boiled for a minute. Slowly whisk the slurry into the marinade, then simmer on medium-high heat for about 30 seconds until thickened to a luscious glaze—watch closely, it thickens fast!

Step 6: Glaze and Finish Grilling

Brush the thickened glaze generously onto one side of the chicken skewers, flip and repeat on the other side. Continue grilling the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s both juicy and safe to eat.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the skewers and slide the chicken pieces off. Serve immediately, nestled over a bed of hot cooked rice and sprinkled with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

How to Serve Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey-Ginger Glaze Recipe

The dish shows a white bowl filled with two main layers: on the left side, fluffy white rice garnished with small green sliced scallions; on the right side, shiny chunks of grilled chicken with a dark brown, glossy sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and more sliced scallions. A silver fork with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl on the right. Around the bowl, there are small wooden bowls with sesame seeds and greens, and a plate of green broccolini on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds add both crunch and visual appeal, creating a vibrant, fresh contrast to the rich, sticky chicken. A little sprinkle goes a long way in finishing off the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your skewers with simple steamed or fried rice to soak up every last bit of glaze. For something a little different, try pickled cucumbers or kimchi for that tangy crunch that balances the sweetness and spice perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, arrange your chicken skewers atop a colorful platter decorated with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. Serve alongside small bowls of extra glaze or homemade dipping sauces for added flair. Wrapping the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for wraps is a fun, fresh way to enjoy the dish too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled chicken skewers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate to brush on again when reheating so your chicken stays moist and shiny.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken pieces without the skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftover skewers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them from drying out. Brush with reserved glaze while warming to revive that sticky, flavorful finish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine; just be mindful to not overcook them since they’re leaner than thighs. Marinate and grill similarly for juicy, flavorful results.

Is there a substitute if I don’t have coconut aminos?

Soy sauce or tamari are perfect stand-ins, offering a similar salty-sweet foundation to this dish’s marinade.

What if I want less heat in the glaze?

Simply reduce the Sriracha amount or omit it entirely, and maybe add a splash more honey for sweetness to keep the glaze balanced.

Can I make this recipe indoors?

Yes! Use a grill pan or broiler to cook the chicken skewers indoors, ensuring you watch carefully to prevent burning while achieving those nice grill marks.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours works well; longer marinating intensifies the flavor, but even a short soak makes a tasty meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something undeniably satisfying about biting into perfectly grilled chicken that’s been lovingly coated in a spicy honey-ginger glaze. The Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers with Spicy Honey-Ginger Glaze Recipe offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that’ll make your taste buds dance. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation, ideal for sharing over good conversation and great company.