Spicy & Sweet Charcoal-Grilled Chicken
Homemade Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Recipe with Boneless Thighs
Do you love that addictive spicy and sweet charcoal-grilled chicken flavor? I personally can’t get enough of it! Unlike regular fried chicken, it’s not greasy and has a wonderfully spicy kick. Plus, boneless chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. This dish is perfect for a weekend meal, and it’s much more affordable and customizable than ordering delivery. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult at all – just follow along step-by-step!
Main Ingredients
- 600g boneless chicken thighs
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 5 Tbsp corn syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or sake)
- 1 pinch chicken stock powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3+ Cheongyang chili peppers (or to taste for spice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the delicious charcoal marinade! In a large bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 5 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp ketchup, 1 Tbsp gochujang, a pinch of black pepper, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, and 1 pinch of chicken stock powder. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and there are no lumps. The key to this marinade is the balance of these ingredients, which creates that signature charcoal-grilled flavor. A crucial tip: make the marinade at least 30 minutes in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much richer taste.
Step 2
For that spicy kick, prepare at least 3 Cheongyang chili peppers, or more if you enjoy intense heat. The spiciness is a defining characteristic of this dish!
Step 3
If you’d like to add more texture and flavor, prepare some rice cakes (tteokbokki tteok) or Vienna sausages. Chewy rice cakes and plump sausages tossed in the spicy charcoal sauce are incredibly delicious.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to cook the chicken thighs. Heat a pan and add 1 Tbsp of sugar. Let it melt until it turns a caramel color – this caramelization adds a beautiful color and depth of flavor to the chicken. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down first, into the hot pan. Cook until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is about 60% cooked through. You don’t need to cook it all the way at this stage.
Step 5
As the chicken cooks, it will release some fat and liquid, causing the pan to sizzle. Don’t worry about this; it’s a natural part of the cooking process. If you’re using Vienna sausages, you can add them to the pan around this time to get them nicely browned. The goal is for the sausages to soak up plenty of the sauce. (You can also add them later if you prefer.)
Step 6
Now, add the pre-made charcoal marinade to the pan and let it simmer and reduce. Keep the heat on medium. Instead of adding all the marinade at once, start with about 70% of it. Let the chicken absorb the flavors as it cooks. Taste as you go, and add more marinade if needed to achieve your desired level of seasoning. (I confess, I usually just add it all in one go!)
Step 7
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the chicken and the sauce to meld together beautifully. Cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency – this indicates your charcoal chicken is almost ready! The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken, like in the photo. A little tip: don’t reduce the sauce too much; leave a little extra. It’s perfect for stir-frying rice afterwards!
Step 8
To truly capture the authentic charcoal-grilled flavor, finish by using a kitchen torch to add a smoky char. A brief sear with direct flame will impart that signature smoky aroma, making it taste like it came straight from a charcoal grill. (Safety Warning: Always exercise extreme caution when using a kitchen torch. Ensure you are in a safe, well-ventilated area away from flammable materials. I still get a bit nervous using mine and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case!)
Step 9
This boneless chicken thigh dish is a fantastic option not just for a summer treat, but for any time of year! In these times of high food prices, why not make this delicious chicken at home instead of ordering out? It’s surprisingly easy and much more budget-friendly. Feel free to add ramen noodles, udon noodles, or rice cakes to make it an even more satisfying meal. Enjoy!
