Description
This recipe features tender and flavorful Korean chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, apple sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a quick yet impressively delicious dinner with authentic Korean flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise, from 2 breasts)
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup low sodium or gluten-free soy sauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for topping)
- 2 thinly sliced scallions (white and green parts)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts one at a time into a Ziploc bag and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch using a mallet or rolling pin, being careful not to puncture the bag to ensure even cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, apple sauce, chopped onion, sesame oil, grated ginger, brown sugar, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes if using, and sesame seeds. Set aside ¼ cup of this marinade for later use.
- Marinate the chicken: Transfer the remaining marinade into the Ziploc bag with the chicken breasts. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they release easily from the grill grates, indicating they are ready to flip.
- Baste and finish grilling: Turn the chicken breasts over, spoon the reserved ¼ cup marinade over each piece, and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the grill, sprinkle additional sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-poke or tear the Ziploc bag while pounding the chicken.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour for best flavor; longer (up to 4 hours) can enhance taste but not recommended overnight due to the apple sauce.
- If you don't have a grill, a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance or omit if you prefer milder chicken.
- Use low sodium or gluten-free soy sauce to control sodium intake or dietary restrictions.