Beef and pork often take center stage in Korean cuisine, but chicken is just as good and there are some delicious Korean recipes that make this meat shine.
In Korea, chicken thighs are a popular ingredient that can be cooked in many ways and included in an array of mouthwatering dishes.
If you are in the mood for some authentic Korean chicken thigh dishes, stick with us.
We’ve compiled a list of 11 of the best Korean chicken thigh recipes you can make at home below.
The Most Popular Korean Chicken Thigh Recipes
There are many Korean chicken thigh recipes you can make, but if you are new to this cuisine, we’d recommend starting with something that’s both simple and popular to dip your toe in.
Below, we’ve included some of the most well-known Korean chicken thigh recipes to kick things off.
If you prefer your chicken with a little spice, then you will love these gochujang chicken thighs.
Gochujang is a type of Korean paste made using red chilies and it gives any dish you add it to a wonderful kick.
It also brings out the flavors more intensely, which we love.
You only need a few ingredients to bring this recipe to life, and once you try it for the first time, you will find yourself making it again and again.
Serve with sesame seeds, some fresh veggies, and some white rice.
Classic and to the point, this Korean chicken thigh recipe will let you recreate the popular dish at home without any complications.
The intricate flavors in this dish come from the marinating process. You will smother your chicken thighs with a sweet and smoky gochujang paste and enjoy the smell that fills your kitchen as they cook.
You can enjoy these chicken thighs by themselves or served with rice, salad or vegetables for a complete meal.
To make it paleo, choose cauliflower rice instead.
Fried Korean Chicken Thigh Recipes
As we mentioned earlier, fried chicken is beloved in Korea, so it’s no surprise that there are lots of fried chicken thigh recipes for you to recreate.
Whether you are in the mood for chicken with a bit of a sweet taste, or you want something a bit spicier, you are sure to find a recipe that suits your mood.
Below, we’ve included our favorite fried chicken Korean recipes – keep reading to find your next favorite meal.
This dish actually originated in China, but it has been popular in Korean cuisine for a long time, so it has earned a place on our list.
This fried chicken dish is also known as Yuringi; it is made from chicken thighs coated in a delicious sauce made from peppers and a light sweet-sour sauce.
You can experiment with different peppers to make this fried chicken recipe tailored to your taste, choosing your peppers to create a dish that is either mild and sweet or super spicy.
We recommend serving it with stir-fried veggies.
Chicken Thigh Recipes With Rice
Rice is a staple in Korean cuisine, and it’s the perfect partner in crime for chicken thighs.
The recipes we’ve shortlisted below are comforting and filling – they’re also great for those days when you want to include more vegetables in your diet but in a more exciting way.
Seaweed rice rolls, or Gimbap, can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways, but the chicken variant is definitely one of the tastiest options in our humble opinion.
Using chicken thighs as the filling, these seaweed rice rolls are very easy to make, and they only require two ingredients: crispy pan-fried chicken and yellow pickled radish (danmuji).
You can add more ingredients if you feel like it, but the simplicity of the original recipe is what makes it so wonderful.
Rice and chicken pair together as well as peanut butter and jelly, and this Sweet Sticky Korean Chicken recipe is definitely a fantastic example of how well this combination works.
This recipe takes chicken thighs and marinates them in a delectably thick sweet and savory sauce that is made out of brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds with garlic.
Our mouths are watering just reading that!
Once you have made the chicken, you’ll sit it on a bed of steamed rice to create a comforting dish you won’t be able to get enough of.
In just 25 minutes, you can have this fantastically comforting chicken rice bowl ready to eat.
It is made using chicken thighs, rice, and mushrooms to create a hearty dish that is perfect for colder nights.
It is so simple to throw together as well, so regardless of your experience, you should have no issues making it at home.
Like most of the other recipes, this rice bowl includes gochujang, but if you aren’t a big fan of spice, you don’t have to include it or you can reduce the quantities for something a little more subtle.
Chicken Thigh Recipes With Noodles
Like rice, noodles are also popular in Korea. They can be paired with almost any other ingredient, and chicken is no exception.
Lots of Korean noodle recipes are usually enjoyed with beef or pork, but the chicken variations of these recipes definitely shouldn’t be ignored.
If you’re in the mood for some chicken thigh with noodles recipes, take a look below.
This recipe is quite similar to some of the rice recipes we have included already, but instead, it uses ramen noodles to create a delicious dish.
Other ingredients included in this dish are peanut butter, sesame oil, and soy sauce, and they work so well with the chicken thighs.
This recipe only takes 20 minutes to make as well, so you can have it ready in no time at all – making it a good option for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Another cozy dish, this Korean Chicken Noodle Bowl recipe is the perfect dish to make if you are looking for a fun way to get your vegetables in.
This recipe takes chicken thighs and cuts them up into bite-sized chunks, marinated in a wonderful Korean stir-fry simmer sauce to create a comforting dish that you will love.
This dish is completely customizable, so you can choose your favorite veggies to compliment the chicken.
Conclusion
Chicken thighs are used in a plethora of different recipes, so you can choose whether you want something spicy or sweet, fried or roasted.
You can pair your Korean chicken thighs with rice, noodles, or simply with veggies.
Bring a taste of Korean culture to your mid-week meals by trying one of the dishes we’ve listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Koreans Soak Chicken In Milk?
The main reason that Koreans soak the chicken in milk is to tenderize the meat and remove any gamey taste. This makes the chicken taste better in whatever dish is being made and results in tender, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken.
What Are The White Things In Korean Chicken?
If you notice something white in Korean chicken, don’t worry- this is completely normal! The white things are actually pickled radish, which is also called chikin-mu. It is very common for pickled radish to be included in Korean chicken recipes.
Why Does Korean Chicken Taste Different?
The taste of Korean chicken is so different because of the sauces and ingredients used when making it. The pieces of chicken are often coated in a variety of spices, chilis, and sugars which gives it it’s unique and delicious taste.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
