Sticky Chicken Bulgogi | Better Than Takeout Korean Chicken Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready to bring bold, irresistible flavors into your kitchen and make a dinner that tastes even better than takeout? 🍗🔥 Today we’re cooking a comfort-packed favorite that’s sweet, savory, sticky, and deeply satisfying: Sticky Chicken Bulgogi. This Korean-inspired dish is quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests, and it never fails to disappear fast.

Bulgogi is one of the most beloved dishes in Korean home cooking, traditionally made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a beautifully balanced sauce of soy, garlic, sugar, and sesame. This chicken version keeps the heart of that tradition while making it more accessible, affordable, and weeknight-friendly. Using chicken allows the marinade to soak in quickly, creating tender, juicy bites coated in a glossy, caramelized sauce that clings to every piece.

What makes this recipe truly special is its sticky finish. As the marinade cooks down, it thickens into a rich glaze that’s sweet without being sugary, savory without being heavy, and packed with umami depth. The aroma alone — garlic, ginger, soy, and sesame — will have everyone asking what’s for dinner before it even hits the table. 🥰

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, tucked into lettuce wraps, or served alongside simple vegetables. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile — exactly the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. If you love takeout-style meals but want something fresher, homemade, and just as crave-worthy, this Sticky Chicken Bulgogi is for you.

🧺 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)

For the Bulgogi Marinade:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey or rice syrup
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for gentle heat)
• ½ tsp black pepper

For Garnish (Optional but Traditional):

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced red chili 🌶️

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, gochujang (if using), and black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly.
3. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the oil.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if necessary.
6. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a caramelized crust.
7. Stir and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken.
8. As the chicken cooks, the marinade will reduce into a sticky glaze. Lower the heat slightly if it begins to darken too quickly.
9. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and coated in a glossy, thick sauce.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — a pinch of sugar for sweetness or a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
11. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes to allow the glaze to settle.
12. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and sliced chili if desired.
13. Serve hot over steamed rice or in lettuce wraps for a fresh contrast.

📝 Notes

• Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more traditional for sticky-style cooking, but chicken breasts work well if not overcooked.
• Marinating longer deepens flavor, but even a short marinade delivers great results.
• If you prefer extra sauce, double the marinade and reserve half to simmer separately.
• For a smoky touch, finish the chicken under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.
• Leftovers taste amazing the next day and reheat beautifully in a skillet.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~420
🍽️ Servings: 4

• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 1g

This Sticky Chicken Bulgogi brings everything we love about Korean-inspired cooking into one simple, comforting dish. 🍗🔥 It’s bold without being overwhelming, sticky without being heavy, and satisfying in the most familiar, crave-worthy way. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor straight from your own stove — no takeout menu required.

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️

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