Korean BBQ Chicken Bowl (High-Protein, Easy Weeknight Meal)
This Korean BBQ chicken bowl is packed with flavor and protein! Featuring gochujang-marinated grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and crunchy fresh veggies, it’s perfect for clean eating, high-protein meal prep, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or jasmine rice
- 1 medium carrot julienned
- ½ cucumber thinly sliced
- ¼ cup kimchi
- 2 green onions chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the ChickenWhisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at least 15 minutes or up to 12 hours.
- Step 2: Cook the ChickenHeat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Rest before slicing.
- Step 3: Prep Your BowlsWhile the chicken cooks, prep the veggies and cook your rice if you haven’t already.
- Step 4: AssembleIn each bowl, add a base of rice. Top with sliced chicken, carrot, cucumber, kimchi, scallions, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Korean BBQ Chicken Bowl
- Double the Gochujang Marinade: Use half for marinating and save the other half as a finishing drizzle. It deepens the flavor without overcooking the sauce.
- Flash-Chill the Veggies: After slicing the cucumbers and carrots, dunk them in ice water for 5 minutes. This enhances their crunch and contrast against the warm chicken and rice.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet or Grill Pan: To get that signature smoky char on the chicken (like authentic Korean BBQ), sear on high heat using cast iron. It mimics flame-grilled flavor even indoors.
- Let the Chicken Marinate Overnight: While 15 minutes works, 8–12 hours in the fridge lets the gochujang, soy, garlic, and sesame soak deep into the meat. It also tenderizes the chicken naturally.
- Finish with Sesame Oil & Rice Vinegar Mist: A quick mist of sesame oil and rice vinegar (1:1 mix) over the assembled bowl adds brightness and keeps every component balanced.
- Serve with Jammy Eggs: Instead of hard-boiled eggs, try a 7-minute jammy egg for richness and extra texture contrast—perfect for low-carb, high-protein breakfasts too.
- Mix in Kimchi Juice: A teaspoon or two of kimchi juice into the rice or chicken glaze adds umami depth and ties the components together beautifully.