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Fresh ingredients for a spicy Korean BBQ chicken sandwich including chicken thighs, gochujang, shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and sesame brioche buns.

The Ultimate Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Experience the ultimate Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich packed with juicy gochujang glazed chicken and a crisp vibrant slaw on a toasted sesame brioche bun.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Fusion, Korean American
Calories: 640
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Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Roughly 450g, perfect for hearty textures.
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) 30g, the cornerstone of the deep, savory spice.
  • 2 tbsp Low-Sodium Soy Sauce 30ml, for balanced umami.
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar 15g, helps the glaze become sticky.
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil 5ml, for a nutty aroma.
  • 2 cloves Fresh Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger 5g, grated.
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil 15ml, for searing.
  • 2 cups Coleslaw Mix 140g, shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and matchstick carrots.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro 5g, chopped.
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar 15ml.
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise 30g.
  • 2 whole Sesame Seed Brioche Buns High quality.
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter 15g, for toasting.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for achieving a proper golden-brown sear on the chicken.
  • 1 Medium mixing bowl Used for tossing the vibrant slaw.

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and rice vinegar until smooth. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss vigorously until coated, then refrigerate.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the gochujang mixture over the chicken and toss continuously until the sauce bubbles and reduces into a thick, glistening glaze.
  5. Melt butter in a separate clean skillet over medium heat. Toast the sesame seed brioche buns cut-side down until the edges are beautifully crisp and lightly browned.
  6. Place the bottom toasted bun on a board. Layer the saucy chicken thighs, spoon over extra glaze, and pile high with the crisp coleslaw. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Don't Rush the Sear: Let the chicken thighs sit undisturbed in the hot pan. A solid, golden crust is essential.
Watch the Sugar: Keep the heat on medium-low when reducing the sauce to achieve a sticky, rather than scorched, finish.
Protect the Bun: Always toast your buns with butter to create a moisture barrier.