When it comes to family meals, there’s always a bit of a gamble involved in trying out a new recipe. Will the kids turn their noses up at it? Will it become a new favorite that gets requested time and again? With the Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sliders, I hit the jackpot. The combination of the spicy, tangy flavors with the soft, fluffy slider buns was a hit with everyone at the dinner table. My family couldn’t get enough, and even the picky eaters were asking for seconds. These sliders have now become a staple in our household, perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers with friends. The best part is, they are surprisingly simple to prepare, and the flavors are absolutely worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

Ingredients

To make these delectable Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sliders, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup of Korean BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 slider buns
• 1 cup of coleslaw mix
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sliders:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Korean BBQ sauce, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Mix until well combined.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
5. While the chicken is resting, lightly toast the slider buns on the grill until golden brown.
6. Slice the grilled chicken thighs into smaller pieces that will fit onto the slider buns.
7. To assemble the sliders, place a generous amount of the sliced chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw, cilantro, and jalapeños if using. Finish with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Each serving of these Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sliders contains approximately:

• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: 310 calories

Preparation Time

Here’s a breakdown of the time needed to prepare these sliders:

• Marinating time: 2 hours (or overnight for best results)
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 2.5 hours (including marinating time)

How to Serve

These sliders are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a main course: Pair the sliders with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• At parties: Arrange them on a platter for an easy-to-eat finger food option that guests will love.
• For game day: Serve the sliders alongside other snacks and appetizers, such as chips and dip or buffalo wings.
• For a picnic: Pack them in a cooler and enjoy them outdoors with friends and family.
• For lunch: Prepare extra sliders to enjoy the next day as a quick and tasty lunch option.

Additional Tips

To make the most out of your Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sliders, consider these tips:

• Tip 1: For an added layer of flavor, try smoking the chicken thighs on the grill before cooking them. This will impart a delicious smoky taste that complements the Korean BBQ sauce.
• Tip 2: If you’re short on time, use a store-bought coleslaw mix and dressing. This will save you time while still adding a fresh crunch to the sliders.
• Tip 3: Adjust the level of spice to your preference by adding more or less gochujang. You can also use sriracha or another hot sauce if you prefer.
• Tip 4: To make a homemade Korean BBQ sauce, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a bit of gochujang for spice.
• Tip 5: Consider adding a slice of cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, to each slider for a creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sliders:

• Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A1: Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which makes them ideal for grilling.

• Q2: Can these sliders be made ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and keep it in the marinade up to a day in advance. Grill the chicken and assemble the sliders just before serving for the best taste.

• Q3: What can I use as a substitute for gochujang?

A3: If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with a mixture of miso paste and sriracha or another hot sauce to mimic the flavor profile.

• Q4: How can I make these sliders gluten-free?

A4: Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure that all your sauces, including the soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.

• Q5: Is there a vegetarian option for these sliders?

A5: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled mushrooms or a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same sauce.