Description
This Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich with cabbage slaw is a bold, flavor-packed meal featuring juicy, caramelized chicken layered with a crisp, tangy slaw on a toasted bun. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, it delivers the ultimate balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Korean BBQ Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Cabbage Slaw
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 4 brioche or potato buns
- Butter (for toasting)
- Extra gochujang or Korean BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge. - Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot. In a small bowl, whisk mayo, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss with cabbage mixture and refrigerate. - Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and caramelized. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice. - Toast the Buns
Butter buns lightly and toast until golden. - Assemble the Sandwich
Layer chicken on the bottom bun, add extra sauce if desired, top with slaw, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are recommended for extra juiciness.
- Adjust gochujang for your preferred spice level.
- Slaw can be made up to 1 day ahead for convenience.
- Toasting the buns prevents sogginess and adds texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg