Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Sticky
Bold, fiery, and packed with umami, these Korean gochujang chicken skewers bring the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The key ingredient, gochujang, is a Korean red chilli paste with a deep, savoury richness that caramelises beautifully on the grill. When combined with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, it creates a sticky, flavour-packed glaze that clings to the juicy chicken, ensuring every bite is an explosion of flavour.
Why Gochujang is the Perfect Marinade for Chicken Skewers
Gochujang is known for its layered complexity—spicy, slightly sweet, and deeply savoury. It works wonders as a marinade, coating the chicken skewers in a thick, flavourful glaze that chars perfectly on a hot grill. The balance of spice and sweetness ensures that the heat isn’t overpowering, making these skewers a hit even with those who aren’t spice lovers.
The Secret to Perfectly Grilled Korean Chicken Skewers
To get the most flavour, marinate the chicken for at least two hours—overnight is even better. Grilling over high heat helps the glaze caramelise, creating those irresistible crispy edges while keeping the chicken juicy inside. A final brush of extra marinade just before serving ensures every skewer is glistening with flavour.
The Best Dipping Sauces to Serve with Gochujang Chicken Skewers
These chicken skewers pair beautifully with a creamy dip to balance the spice. Garlic & Herb Yogurt Dip offers a cooling contrast, while Spicy Harissa Mayo turns up the heat for those who love bold flavours. If you’re looking for something traditional, a drizzle of toasted sesame dressing is a great match.
The Best Side Dishes for a Korean BBQ Feast
To round out the meal, serve these gochujang chicken skewers with Balsamico Caramelised Red Onions for a sweet and tangy contrast. For something crispy, Rosemary Thyme Garlic BBQ Roast Potatoes are a hearty side that complements the smoky, spicy flavours.
More Chicken Skewers to Try
If you love Korean-inspired flavours, you might also enjoy Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Wings or Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers for a sticky, finger-licking experience.
Korean Gochujang Chicken Skewers with Sesame
Ingredients
For the chicken skewers
- 600 g Chicken Thighs Boneless, Skinless, cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp gochujang Korean red chilli paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce dark
- 1 tbsp honey runny
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger fresh, ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
- 2 spring onions finely sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and spring onions before serving.
A Fiery, Sticky Delight for Any Occasion
These Korean gochujang chicken skewers bring the heat, but their deep, balanced flavours make them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something bold and spicy, this recipe delivers a perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and savoury.
More Chicken Skewers You’ll Love
For more grilled goodness, try Zesty Chimichurri Chicken Skewers for a fresh, herby alternative, or Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Skewers for another sticky, flavour-packed dish.
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