If you love the bold, savory flavors of Korean cuisine and crave a perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat, then this Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Infused with a marinade that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, this dish transforms an everyday whole chicken into a mouthwatering feast that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re using a rotisserie or oven, the technique ensures tender, flavor-packed chicken every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Korean BBQ rotisserie chicken lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor—from the umami-rich soy sauce to the vibrant heat of gochujang and the subtle nuttiness of sesame oil. Having these ingredients ready, fresh, and balanced is the first step toward creating a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs): The star of the show, chosen for its perfect size to absorb flavors and cook evenly.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides a deep, salty backbone that enhances every bite.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that’s signature to Korean dishes.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the marinade beautifully.
- 3 tbsp honey: Sweetens the marinade and helps achieve that irresistible caramelized skin.
- 3 tbsp brown sugar: Works alongside honey to create a rich, balanced sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers pungent, savory depth with every bite.
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated: Offers a fresh, zesty kick that complements the garlic.
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste): Adds a gentle, spicy heat and a complex savoriness unique to Korean flavor profiles.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds: Garnishes the finished dish with visual appeal and subtle crunch.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the bold flavors.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for roasting): Used to help crisp the skin without overpowering the marinade.
How to Make Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang in a bowl. This beautifully balanced marinade is where all the flavor magic begins. Make sure the honey and sugar completely dissolve to create a smooth blend that will coat your chicken evenly.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place your whole chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade all over it. It’s important the chicken is fully coated so every inch can soak up those flavors. Seal it up or cover, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you have extra patience, marinating overnight will make the flavors even more intense and satisfying.
Step 3: Preheat and prepare for cooking
Whether you plan to use a rotisserie or an oven, preheat your environment to 375°F (190°C). For rotisserie cooking, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare your chicken for smoking, rotating, and basting. If using an oven, rub the chicken with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to ensure that crispy, golden skin we all adore.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
If roasting in the oven, place the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack inside a pan. Roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe and juicy goodness. The skin should be beautifully caramelized, creating that irresistible crunch every bite deserves.
Step 5: Baste for extra flavor
Every 20 to 30 minutes, take the extra marinade and baste your chicken. This helps maintain moisture and layers flavor as the chicken roasts. It’s a simple step that transforms the dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 6: Rest and garnish
After cooking, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for tender, juicy bites. Just before serving, sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, beautiful finish that adds texture and flavor contrast.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and taste, garnish your Korean BBQ rotisserie chicken with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. These simple toppings boost the dish’s authentic Korean flair and add an inviting crunch and pop of color that makes the meal look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs perfectly with classic Korean sides like steamed rice, kimchi, or even freshly sautéed vegetables. For a well-rounded meal, try serving with a crunchy cucumber salad or a bowl of warm, comforting miso soup. These accompaniments help balance the hearty, flavorful chicken and create a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe family-style on a large platter garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Surround it with small bowls of dipping sauces like soy sauce or spicy gochujang mayo for a fun interactive meal. You can even slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of kimchi fried rice for a fabulous twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken whole or sliced for convenience. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without losing that perfect tenderness.
Freezing
This Korean BBQ rotisserie chicken freezes beautifully. Slice the cooled meat and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Label your containers for easy meal planning, and you’ll have a quick, savory protein ready down the line.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave in short bursts but keep an eye to avoid drying out the meat. Reheated chicken pairs wonderfully with fresh sides to recreate the original delicious experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or drumsticks work great with this marinade. Just adjust cooking time since parts generally cook faster than a whole bird. The marinade’s bold flavor will still shine through beautifully.
What if I don’t have a rotisserie? Can I still make this recipe?
Definitely. This recipe is just as delicious when roasted in a conventional oven. Roasting on a rack allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, making the skin crispy and the meat juicy, just like a rotisserie.
How spicy is the chicken with gochujang?
Gochujang adds a mild to moderate spicy kick with a touch of sweetness and umami. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount or substitute with a milder chili paste to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This can help the flavors meld and save prep time when you’re ready to marinate the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
While designed for rotisserie or oven cooking, you can grill this chicken too. Just marinate well and cook over indirect heat to ensure even cooking without burning the sugars in the marinade.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about pulling a beautifully roasted Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe from the oven or rotisserie — the aroma, the color, the complex layers of flavor. This recipe is a reminder that making something special at home doesn’t require complicated ingredients or techniques. Give it a try, and watch how this chicken becomes a new favorite in your cooking repertoire that friends and family rave about for weeks!
Print
Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
This Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken recipe combines a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey, and gochujang, infusing a whole chicken with authentic Korean flavors. Whether cooked on a rotisserie or roasted in the oven, the result is juicy, tender chicken with crispy skin and a deliciously sticky glaze. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
For Roasting and Garnish
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for roasting)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang until the honey and sugar have dissolved and the marinade is smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Cooking Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a rotisserie machine, prepare the chicken according to the manufacturer’s instructions for rotisserie cooking.
- Roast or Rotisserie the Chicken: If roasting in the oven, lightly rub the chicken with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin turns golden and crispy.
- Baste Regularly: Every 20 to 30 minutes during cooking, baste the chicken with the leftover marinade to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or rotisserie and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Korean BBQ Rotisserie Chicken with steamed rice, fresh vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper and more intense flavor.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Basting helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful but avoid over-basting to maintain crispy skin.
- If using a rotisserie machine, follow all safety and setup instructions from the manufacturer carefully.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
