If you’re looking for a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer or an irresistible dinner idea packed with sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor, these Sticky Korean BBQ Glazed Chicken Bites are exactly what you need. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a glossy, caramelized Korean-style sauce, then topped with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes for the perfect balance of heat and freshness. Served with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.
These chicken bites are ideal for parties, family dinners, game nights, or meal prep. They cook quickly, require simple ingredients, and offer maximum flavor with minimal effort. The sticky glaze clings beautifully to every piece, creating a rich umami taste that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular favorite on your menu.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Korean BBQ glaze
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red chili flakes
For the creamy dipping sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to help them crisp properly during cooking. In a bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The cornstarch creates a light coating that gives the chicken a slightly crispy exterior and helps the sauce stick later.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, prepare the glaze. Add garlic and ginger first and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, honey, gochujang, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens into a shiny, sticky glaze.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss until each piece is completely coated. Allow the glaze to caramelize slightly for extra depth of flavor. The sauce should cling to the chicken beautifully without being runny.
For the dipping sauce, simply whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Arrange the glazed chicken bites on a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes. Serve warm with the creamy dipping sauce in the center.
Tips for Perfect Results
Use chicken thighs if you want juicier, more tender bites. Thighs remain moist even with high heat cooking. If you prefer a lighter option, chicken breasts work well too.
For extra crispiness, you can air fry the chicken at 200°C for 12 to 15 minutes before tossing it in the sauce. This method reduces oil and creates a crunchy texture.
If you like more heat, add extra gochujang or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For sweeter flavor, increase the honey slightly.
Serving Ideas
These Korean BBQ chicken bites pair perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve them inside lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option. They make fantastic party appetizers when served with toothpicks.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the sticky texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines sweet, savory, spicy, and smoky flavors in every bite. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. The glossy glaze, fresh toppings, and creamy sauce create layers of texture and taste that make it feel special without complicated steps.
Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a versatile, reliable favorite that impresses guests and satisfies cravings every single time.