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 applesauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon 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
- Pound the chicken: Place each chicken breast, one at a time, in a Ziploc bag and gently pound it to an even thickness of about ½ inch, taking care not to puncture the bag. This ensures even cooking.
- Prepare the marinade and marinate: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, applesauce, chopped onion, sesame oil, grated ginger, light brown sugar, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame seeds. Reserve ¼ cup of this marinade for later use. Place the chicken in the Ziploc bag with the remaining marinade, seal it, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade bag and place it on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the chicken no longer sticks to the grill grates, then turn it over. Spoon the reserved ¼ cup of marinade over each breast and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove chicken from the grill, sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and sliced scallions for garnish. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- This recipe uses a marinade that doubles as a glaze during grilling to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Can be served with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
