Description
Juicy chicken thighs marinate in a bold, spicy gochujang blend, then hit a hot pan until caramelized and lightly charred. Pile that smoky chicken onto soft, buttery buns and top it with a crisp cabbage-carrot slaw tossed in zesty lime mayo. Add a touch of sriracha and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and you’ve got a sandwich that delivers heat, crunch, and serious flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 burger buns, brioche recommended
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Neutral oil (canola or vegetable) for cooking
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper until smooth and fully blended.
- Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and turn to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, let them sit overnight.
- Combine the cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lime juice, and sriracha if using. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to develop.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for several minutes. Slice into strips to make sandwich assembly easier.
- Lightly toast the buns in the pan or a toaster until golden and slightly crisp.
- Place sliced chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top generously with the prepared slaw. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Cap with the top bun and serve right away.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Addictive Spicy Korean BBQ, Chicken Sandwich, Gochujang