Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey with these Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw! Combining the bold, umami-rich notes of Korean BBQ with the refreshing crunch of a vibrant slaw, this dish is a delightful fusion of global cuisines. Get ready to wow your taste buds and bring people together around the table with this chef-approved, easy-to-follow recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw
These Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw are a true delight for the senses. The tender, marinated chicken is cooked to juicy, caramelized perfection, while the crisp, zesty slaw provides a vibrant counterpart. With just the right amount of spice and a touch of sweetness, this dish is a flavor explosion that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, the easy-to-follow steps and customizable nature of the recipe make it a breeze to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw include boneless, skinless chicken thighs, a flavorful Korean BBQ marinade, shredded cabbage and carrots, a creamy and tangy slaw dressing, and soft taco shells or tortillas. Together, these components create a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, and crunchy elements.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup – Korean BBQ marinade
- 2 cups – Shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup – Shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup – Slaw dressing (mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper)
- 12 – Soft taco shells or tortillas
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Dietary: For a low-carb alternative, swap the taco shells or tortillas for crisp lettuce wraps.
How to Make Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Begin by marinating the chicken in the Korean BBQ sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the slaw by shredding the cabbage and carrots. In a separate bowl, mix the slaw dressing ingredients until well combined.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour in the Korean BBQ marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the slaw dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, cook it on a hot grill or in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s cooked through and beautifully caramelized, about 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, simply add the grilled Korean BBQ chicken to the taco shells or tortillas, top with the creamy, spicy slaw, and garnish with any additional toppings of your choice, such as sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the slaw.
- Protein Swap: Experiment with different protein options, such as beef or pork, for a twist on the classic Korean BBQ chicken.
- Low-Carb: Swap out the taco shells for lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- Spice It Up: Amp up the heat by adding more gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha to the slaw dressing.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and additional sriracha or gochujang for those who want extra heat.
Storage: The assembled tacos will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The marinated chicken and slaw dressing can be stored separately for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet or the microwave before assembling the tacos.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the chicken marinade and slaw dressing up to 1 day in advance. When ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and assemble the tacos.
Nutrition Information
These Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw are a balanced and satisfying meal option. Each serving provides a good source of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can easily cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet or under the broiler in your oven until it’s cooked through and nicely caramelized.
Can I make the slaw in advance?
Absolutely! The slaw dressing can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble the tacos, simply toss the dressing with the shredded cabbage and carrots.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add more gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha to the slaw dressing. You can also top the tacos with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I use a different type of protein?
Definitely! While the recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the marinade and cooking time accordingly.
How long will the leftovers keep?
The assembled tacos will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The components (chicken, slaw, and tortillas) can also be stored separately and used for quick lunches or easy weeknight meals throughout the week.
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Print
Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean-Mexican Fusion
Description
Delicious Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos topped with a spicy slaw for a perfect fusion dish.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup carrots, grated
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken and Korean BBQ sauce. Mix well.
2. In another bowl, mix red cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper to make the spicy slaw.
3. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
4. Assemble the tacos by adding the BBQ chicken and topping with spicy slaw.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can adjust the level of spiciness in the slaw by adding more or less sriracha to taste. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ, tacos, street food