Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls with Gochujang Cream Sauce

Make Delicious Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls

Why try this easy recipe?

Bringing the vibrant and savory flavors of Korea into your kitchen has never been easier than with this delightful Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls recipe. If you’re searching for a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal, this dish is an excellent choice. It’s designed to be an easy chicken recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, delivering authentic Korean flavors right to your dinner table. Forget complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients; our approach simplifies the process, making it accessible for even novice cooks. You’ll create a satisfying homemade Korean food experience that rivals your favorite takeout, offering a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about crafting flavorful chicken bowls that are both wholesome and exciting. The combination of tender marinated chicken, a rich gochujang cream sauce, and an array of fresh, colorful vegetables makes for a well-rounded and visually appealing meal. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new tastes to your family or to enjoy a quick and delicious solo dinner. Plus, the interactive nature of assembling your own bowl adds to the dining pleasure, allowing everyone to customize their meal. Consider trying another delicious chicken recipe, like our Easy Honey Garlic Chicken, for more quick dinner inspiration.

Gather Ingredients for Your Bowls

All main components listed

To create these mouth-watering Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls, you’ll need a few key components. Start with lean protein: boneless, skinless chicken breast. You’ll want about 1.5 pounds, sliced thinly for quick cooking and better marination. For the base, cooked white or brown rice is essential; ensure you have enough for four servings. Vibrant, colorful vegetables not only add nutrition but also visual appeal. Think about a mix of bell peppers (red, yellow, green), thinly sliced carrots, cucumber, and crisp lettuce for freshness. Don’t forget some sesame seeds and fresh green onions for garnish, adding both flavor and texture. These chicken breast recipes truly shine when fresh, quality produce is used.

Sauce essentials: Gochujang, cream

The heart of these bowls lies in the gochujang cream sauce. This rich, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is what elevates the dish to its signature Korean BBQ flavor. You’ll definitely need Gochujang, a savory, spicy, and fermented Korean condiment made from gochutgaru (chili powder), glutinous rice, meju (fermented soybean powder), yeotgireum (barley malt powder), and salt. It’s a foundational ingredient in Korean cuisine. Alongside gochujang, gather heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter touch), soy sauce (low sodium preferred), rice vinegar, a touch of honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. A splash of sesame oil will add an aromatic depth. The combination of gochujang and cream creates a uniquely balanced flavor profile that is both bold and comforting, making this creamy gochujang sauce truly unforgettable.

Prepare Chicken for Marinating

Slice and season chicken breast

Proper preparation of your chicken is key to a tender and flavorful bowl. Begin by trimming any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken breast. Then, slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips or cubes. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the marinade more effectively. Once sliced, place the chicken in a medium bowl. Season generously with a pinch of salt and black pepper, along with a dash of garlic powder and onion powder. These initial seasonings lay a foundational layer of flavor before the marinade is added, preparing the chicken for its transformation into a delicious centerpiece.

Marinate for rich flavor

The marinade is where the magic truly happens, infusing the chicken with the savory, umami notes characteristic of Korean BBQ. For our Korean chicken marinade, combine a mix of soy sauce, a spoonful of gochujang (separate from the cream sauce ingredients), minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, a touch of sesame oil, and a dash of rice vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. For the best rich flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, marinating for 2-4 hours, or even overnight, will yield an even deeper and more tender result, making your flavorful chicken truly stand out. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic taste profile.

Cook Chicken and Fresh Veggies

Pan-cook marinated chicken

With your chicken perfectly marinated, it’s time to bring it to sizzling perfection. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil (such as canola or vegetable oil). Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to achieve a proper sear. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized. The goal is to get those delicious slightly charred edges that are a hallmark of pan-cook marinated chicken, contributing to the overall rich flavor of your bowls. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm while you prepare the vegetables.

Stir-fry colorful mixed vegetables

In the same skillet (add a little more oil if needed), it’s time to stir-fry your colorful mixed vegetables. Add your sliced bell peppers, carrots, and any other desired hearty vegetables like broccoli florets or snap peas. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still retain a slight crunch. You want them bright and vibrant, not overcooked. If using softer vegetables like spinach or sliced mushrooms, add them in the last minute or two of cooking. This quick stir-frying method ensures your vegetables are fresh, flavorful, and add a delightful texture contrast to the tender chicken and soft rice. For a similar concept with a different flavor profile, check out our recipe for Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Crafting Gochujang Cream Sauce

Mix sauce ingredients easily

The creamy gochujang sauce is the star that ties all the elements of your Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls together. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare. In a small saucepan, combine your main gochujang portion, heavy cream, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Whisk all these ingredients together over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, and allow it to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to boil it vigorously, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Once thickened to your desired consistency, remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in a teaspoon of sesame oil for an extra layer of nutty aroma. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary; you might want more honey for sweetness, more gochujang for spice, or a splash more soy sauce for umami. This easy gochujang sauce is versatile and utterly delicious, providing that signature Korean kick with a rich, comforting finish. Learn more about the primary ingredient Gochujang on Wikipedia to understand its depth of flavor.

Assemble Your Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls

Layer rice, chicken, and vegetables

Now comes the fun part: assembling your beautiful and delicious Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls. Start with a generous base of warm cooked rice in each bowl. This provides a comforting foundation for all the flavors. Next, artfully arrange your pan-cooked marinated chicken on one side of the rice. On the other side, pile a colorful medley of your stir-fried vegetables. You can also add some fresh, crisp lettuce or baby spinach leaves for an added crunch and refreshing element. The visual appeal of layering rice, chicken, and vegetables is part of what makes these bowls so inviting and satisfying. Aim for an even distribution of ingredients so every bite offers a balanced flavor profile. This assembly method also makes the bowls perfect for meal prep, allowing you to build them ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners.

Drizzle sauce, garnish well

The finishing touches are what truly bring these bowls to life. Generously drizzle your warm, creamy gochujang sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Don’t be shy; this sauce is what ties all the vibrant flavors together. Finally, garnish well with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for texture and a beautiful presentation. Freshly chopped green onions (scallions) add a pungent, fresh bite and a pop of color. For an extra layer of richness, you might even add a soft-boiled or fried egg on top, a common addition in many Korean rice bowls. Take a moment to admire your creation before digging in! For more delicious dinner ideas, browse our collection of dinner recipes.

Quick Prep and Cooking Times

Total time: 45 minutes

One of the many benefits of this Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls recipe is its efficiency. From start to finish, you can have a flavorful and wholesome meal on the table in approximately 45 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you’re looking for fast dinner ideas without sacrificing taste or quality. The prep work involves slicing chicken and chopping vegetables, which can be done in about 15-20 minutes. The marinating time is flexible, but even a short 30-minute soak significantly enhances flavor. The actual cooking—pan-searing the chicken and stir-frying vegetables—takes another 15-20 minutes. This streamlined process ensures that delicious homemade Korean food is never far from your reach, making it a reliable option for a quick prep meal.

Serves four people

This recipe is perfectly portioned to serve four hungry people, making it great for a family dinner or a small gathering with friends. Each bowl offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling full and content. If you’re cooking for fewer, the recipe scales down easily, or you can prepare the full amount and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. The components hold up well, making it a fantastic meal prep friendly option. For larger groups, simply double the ingredients, keeping in mind you might need to cook the chicken and vegetables in more batches to maintain even cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Portions

How to dish out bowls

Serving these Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls is an art form in itself, allowing for personalization and beautiful presentation. While the standard method involves layering rice, chicken, and vegetables as described, you can get creative. Offer optional toppings on the side, such as kimchi, a fried egg, extra chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who love an extra kick. For portion control, aim for about 1 cup of cooked rice, 4-5 ounces of cooked chicken, and 1 to 1.5 cups of mixed vegetables per person. This generally provides a balanced and filling meal. Encourage diners to mix everything together before eating to fully integrate the gochujang sauce with all the ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavor in every spoonful. Don’t forget to take a picture of your masterpiece and share it on social media, perhaps tagging @carinarecipes20 on Instagram or checking out our boards on Pinterest for more inspiration!

Nutrition Facts: A Quick Look

Calories, protein, carbohydrates

Understanding the nutritional profile of your Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls can help you make informed dietary choices. Typically, a single serving of these bowls offers a substantial amount of protein, primarily from the chicken breast, which is excellent for muscle repair and satiety. The rice contributes a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your day. The vegetables add essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, crucial for digestive health and overall well-being. While specific calorie counts will vary based on exact ingredient quantities and brands, these bowls are generally designed to be a balanced meal, making them a healthy weeknight meal option.

Fat, sodium, cholesterol info

When it comes to fats, the use of lean chicken breast helps keep saturated fat relatively low. The creamy gochujang sauce will contribute some fat, depending on the type of cream used. For those monitoring fat intake, lighter cream options or even milk can be substituted, though it may alter the richness. Sodium content can be managed by using low-sodium soy sauce and being mindful of additional salt. Cholesterol primarily comes from the chicken, but lean cuts typically contain reasonable levels. Overall, by choosing fresh ingredients and mindful preparation, these bowls can be customized to fit various dietary preferences, ensuring you get a wholesome meal that aligns with your health goals. Consider a lighter alternative like Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls if you’re looking to vary your dinner options.

Customize Your Gochujang Sauce Spice

Adjust gochujang preference

One of the best aspects of making your own Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls is the ability to customize the spice level to your exact preference. The gochujang is the primary source of heat in this dish, and its intensity can vary between brands. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a slightly smaller amount of gochujang in your cream sauce and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your desired heat. For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to increase the amount of gochujang significantly. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes (gochugaru) or a dash of hot sauce to the finished bowls for an extra burst of heat. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re making spicy gochujang chicken or a milder version, the meal is perfectly tailored to your palate, making it enjoyable for everyone at the table. Don’t let a fear of spice deter you; it’s all about finding your sweet spot.

Vegetarian Option for Your Bowls

Swap chicken for tofu

This Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls recipe is incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted for vegetarian diets. The simplest and most delicious way to create a vegetarian option is to swap chicken for tofu. Opt for extra-firm or super-firm tofu for the best texture. Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess water, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. You can marinate the tofu in the same Korean chicken marinade used for the chicken, allowing it to soak up all those incredible flavors. Pan-fry or bake the marinated tofu until golden brown and slightly crispy. The gochujang cream sauce is inherently vegetarian (ensure your cream is dairy-free if needed for a vegan option), making the transition seamless. Serve the flavorful tofu alongside rice and colorful mixed vegetables, creating a satisfying and protein-rich vegetarian Korean BBQ bowl that doesn’t compromise on taste. This thoughtful substitution ensures everyone can enjoy these homemade Korean food creations.

Enjoy Your Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls

Garnish with green onions, seeds

As you gather around the table, your homemade Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls are ready to be savored. The final act of garnishing not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds crucial bursts of freshness and texture. A generous sprinkle of fresh, thinly sliced green onions provides a mild, pungent crispness that cuts through the richness of the gochujang cream sauce. Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty crunch and a touch of elegance. These garnishes aren’t just for show; they elevate the entire eating experience, ensuring every bite is dynamic and full of complementary flavors. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and enticing aromas before you dig in. We hope you enjoy these Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls as much as we do, a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary meals. It’s truly a rewarding quick dinner to share or to enjoy on your own, proving that delicious and healthy weeknight meal options are within easy reach.