Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This burger is everything a great burger should be — juicy, flavorful, and satisfying — but with a delicious Korean twist. The gochujang marinade infuses the chicken with depth and spice, while the creamy mayo adds balance and richness. Fresh cabbage slaw adds crunch, and the toasted bun ties it all together. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard grilling, or impressing guests at your next cookout.
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Sizzling Korean Chicken Burger – A Bold, Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 30 mins (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
The Sizzling Korean Chicken Burger is a bold and flavorful sandwich featuring juicy marinated chicken glazed in spicy-sweet Korean gochujang sauce, layered with crisp lettuce, pickled cucumbers, and creamy mayo on a toasted brioche bun. It’s the perfect fusion of heat, crunch, and umami in every bite.
Ingredients
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- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, pounded thin)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
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- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
- For Assembly:
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber (or pickled cucumber)
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly charred. Brush with extra marinade while cooking for a glaze effect.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar to make the spicy mayo sauce.
- Toast brioche buns lightly and spread the spicy mayo on both sides.
- Assemble the burger: layer lettuce, cooked chicken, cucumber slices, and red onion (if using). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and top with the other bun half.
- Serve hot with fries, kimchi, or a crisp side salad.
Notes
- Adjust heat by reducing or increasing the amount of gochujang.
- Grill or air-fry the chicken for a smoky, charred flavor.
- For a twist, add melted cheese or a fried egg on top.
- The gochujang mayo also makes a great dipping sauce for fries or sweet potato wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs stay juicier and absorb the marinade beautifully, but breasts also work.
Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): The star of the marinade — spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.
Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth.
Brown Sugar or Honey: Balances the heat and gives the chicken a caramelized finish.
Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
Garlic and Ginger: Classic Korean aromatics that infuse warmth and flavor.
Sesame Oil: A small amount adds a nutty, toasty aroma.
Mayonnaise: Forms the base for the creamy, spicy burger sauce.
Sriracha or Extra Gochujang: For a fiery kick in the mayo.
Cabbage Slaw: A crisp mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions tossed in a light sesame dressing.
Burger Buns: Soft, toasted buns that hold all the flavors together.
Optional Toppings: Sliced cucumbers, pickled radish, or kimchi for extra crunch and tang.
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Mayo
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, gochujang (or sriracha), and a squeeze of lemon juice or rice vinegar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Slaw
Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions with a drizzle of rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Chill while cooking the chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Let rest for a few minutes before assembling.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Toast the burger buns lightly. Spread a generous layer of gochujang mayo on both halves. Place the chicken on the bottom bun, top with the cabbage slaw, and add any optional toppings like kimchi or cucumber slices. Finish with the top bun.
Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 burgers. Prep time is 15 minutes, marinating time is 30 minutes, and cook time is 15 minutes, for a total of 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Assemble fresh burgers before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Korean BBQ Burger
Top with melted cheese, grilled onions, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
Sweet & Spicy Honey Gochujang Burger
Add a spoonful of honey to the gochujang mayo for a hint of sweetness.
Kimchi Crunch Burger
Add a layer of kimchi under the slaw for bold, tangy flavor.
Lettuce-Wrapped Low-Carb Burger
Swap the bun for large lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free version.
Bulgogi-Style Chicken Burger
Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and pear juice for a sweeter, more traditional Korean BBQ profile.
Fried Korean Chicken Burger
Bread and fry the marinated chicken for an extra crispy, indulgent version.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes — pound them thin for even cooking and to keep them juicy.
2. What is gochujang and where can I find it?
It’s a Korean chili paste with a rich, sweet-spicy flavor — available in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
3. Can I make this less spicy?
Use less gochujang or balance with extra honey or mayonnaise.
4. Can I grill this outdoors?
Absolutely — grilling enhances the smoky, caramelized flavor.
5. What kind of buns work best?
Brioche or potato buns hold up well and add a touch of sweetness.
6. Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes, marinate the chicken overnight and make the mayo and slaw up to a day in advance.
7. What can I serve with it?
Sweet potato fries, pickled cucumbers, or Asian slaw pair beautifully.
8. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — just use a vegan mayo substitute.
9. Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then broil for a minute or two to caramelize.
10. How do I get that restaurant-style glaze?
Brush the chicken with a bit of reserved marinade during the last minute of cooking for a glossy finish.
Conclusion
Sizzling Korean Chicken Burgers are a bold, flavorful upgrade to your usual burger lineup. Juicy, spicy, and perfectly balanced with creamy gochujang mayo and crisp slaw, they deliver layers of taste in every bite. Whether grilled or pan-seared, these burgers bring the vibrant, fiery spirit of Korean cuisine to your table — a sizzling, satisfying meal that’s as exciting as it is delicious.
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