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Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich That'll Wow Your Taste Buds

This Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich is bursting with flavor, featuring grilled chicken thighs, sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, and refreshing quick pickles.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Pickling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Quick Pickles
  • 1 large Seedless cucumber Opt for English cucumbers for better texture.
  • 1 cup Rice vinegar Can be substituted with apple cider vinegar if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor and preserving the cucumbers.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Balances the vinegar.
  • 1 cup Ice Use large ice cubes for efficiency.
For the BBQ Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame oil Can be replaced with olive oil for milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (grated) Fresh garlic is recommended for the best taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated) Brings warmth and spiciness.
  • 1/4 cup Low sodium soy sauce Regular soy sauce can be used but will increase sodium content.
  • 2 tablespoons Gochujang Adjust based on desired spice level.
  • 2 tablespoons Brown sugar Can be substituted with coconut sugar or honey.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Maple syrup is a potential substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Korean BBQ rub Use store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Used to thicken the BBQ sauce.
For the Sriracha Mayo
  • 1/2 cup Mayo Can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha Adjust for your spice preference.
For the Sandwich Assembly
  • 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken thighs These remain juicy after grilling.
  • 4 pieces Sandwich buns or rolls Brioche or ciabatta are excellent choices.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • medium saucepan
  • small pot
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

Pickle Preparation
  1. Begin by slicing the seedless cucumber into thin rounds and placing them in a mixing bowl. In a small pot, combine rice vinegar, salt, and sugar, and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and add ice to cool the brine quickly. Pour this pickling mixture over the cucumber slices and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
BBQ Sauce Preparation
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté grated garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add low sodium soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Bring to a simmer, cooking until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Sriracha Mayo Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine mayo with sriracha, sesame oil, and a dash of soy sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the sriracha mayo is smooth and creamy.
Grilling Chicken
  1. Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature. Season the chicken thighs generously with BBQ rub. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping frequently to avoid burning. Move the thighs to indirect heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Final Assembly
  1. Spread a layer of sriracha mayo on both halves of your toasted sandwich buns. Place a sauced chicken thigh on the bottom half, then top with pickled cucumbers. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Customize your sandwich with different rolls or spices. Toasting the buns adds crunch and prevents sogginess.

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