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Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Zesty Cabbage Slaw Recipe

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3.8 from 89 reviews

This Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich features juicy marinated chicken thighs paired with a zesty cabbage slaw on toasted brioche buns, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Ideal for juiciness and flavor.)
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Opt for low-sodium varieties.)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (Helps balance flavors.)
  • 2 tbsp Honey (Offers natural sweetness.)
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang (Adjust for spice level.)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar (Can substitute with apple cider vinegar.)
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil (Infuses rich aroma.)
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves (Finely minced.)
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger (Grated fresh.)

Slaw

  • 2 cups Shredded Green and Red Cabbage (Adds essential crunch.)
  • 1 cup Julienned Carrot (Provides sweetness.)
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Or Greek yogurt as a lighter option.)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar (Balances tartness.)

Sandwich Assembly

  • 4 pieces Brioche or Potato Sandwich Buns (Toasting enhances flavor.)
  • 2 tbsp Butter (For toasting.)

Instructions

  1. Marinate and Prepare
    In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken thighs, coat well, cover, and marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare Slaw
    In another bowl, combine shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, then drizzle this over the cabbage mixture and toss. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Cook and Assemble
    Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest before slicing.
  4. Toast Buns
    Butter each side of the buns and toast in a non-stick skillet until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Assemble Sandwich
    Assemble the sandwich by placing sliced chicken on the bottom bun, drizzling with extra marinade if desired, topping with cabbage slaw, and finishing with the top bun.

Notes

  • Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
  • Adjust gochujang quantity to your preferred spice level.
  • Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter slaw option.
  • Toasting buns enhances flavor and texture.
  • Marinate chicken longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.