Easy Chicken Bibimbap Recipe: A Spicy Korean Delight (2024)

Embark on a Culinary Adventure with Our Easy and Flavorful Chicken Bibimbap Recipe

Are you craving something new and exciting for dinner but struggling to find a simple yet flavorful recipe? Look no further! The quest for a satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen ends here with fast and easy chicken bibimbap, a spicy Korean classic that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Chicken bibimbap is bursting with savory and spicy flavors and offers the health benefits of a balanced meal brimming with vegetables.

This blog post will guide you through creating your very own chicken bibimbap at home. With an array of vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and just the right amount of kick from gochujang sauce, this dish is as nourishing as it is delightful.

We’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions to ensure your bibimbap adventure is stress-free and fun. Ready for a culinary delight that promises both simplicity and bold flavors? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Chicken bibimbap is a simple yet flavorful dish with rice, marinated chicken, vegetables, and spicy gochujang sauce.
• The meal includes a variety of nutrients from its mix of colorful veggies and lean protein making it both delicious and healthy.
• You can make this Korean classic at home easily by marinating the chicken, cooking the veggies, assembling your bowl with rice, adding gochujang for spice, and mixing it all together before eating.
• Personalize your bibimbap by picking different veggies or adjusting the spiciness to suit your taste.

What is Chicken Bibimbap and Why You’ll Love It

Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish that translates to “mixed rice.” It typically consists of white rice topped with various vegetables, marinated meat, and spicy gochujang sauce.

The ingredients are mixed together before eating to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Origins and meaning

Bibimbap comes from Korea and means “mixed rice.” People there take warm white rice and top it with spicy gochujang sauce, sesame oil, a mix of veggies like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms, plus beef or chicken.

Then they add a fried egg on top. Everyone mixes it up right before eating to blend all the tastes together. This dish is not just tasty but also good for your tummy.

It’s perfect for when you want something yummy and healthy at the same time. Each bite gives you meaty flavors mixed with fresh veggie crunches – all spiced up. Now let’s look at what goes into making this Korean favorite!

Traditional ingredients

Bibimbap is a classic Korean rice dish that’s both tasty and healthy. It mixes rice with an array of colorful toppings and sauces.

1. Rice: Usually, it’s white rice, but some people like to use brown rice or purple rice.
2. Vegetables: Common choices are carrots, spinach, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and sometimes bok choy. They are often lightly seasoned and stir-fried.
3. Meat: While beef is the classic option, chicken bibimbap has become very popular. The meat is usually marinated to add flavor.
4. Gochujang Sauce: This spicy chili pepper paste adds heat and seasoning to the dish.
5. Egg: A sunny side up or poached egg tops off the bowl for extra protein and texture.
6. Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle brings out a nutty aroma and ties all the flavors together.
7. Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top, they add a little crunch.
8. Soy Sauce: Used in the marinade for the meat or as seasoning for vegetables.
9. Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are key in creating the dish’s deep flavor.

Why We Love This Recipe

This easy chicken bibimbap recipe is a favorite because it’s simple to make, packed with delicious flavors, and offers a nutritious meal option. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce Korean cuisine’s spicy and savory flavors into your cooking repertoire.

Easy to make

Making chicken bibimbap is a fun and simple process. You start by mixing the spices, then let the chicken get all those good flavors in it. While your chicken soaks up the taste, you chop and cook some colorful veggies like carrots and spinach.

Once your rice is ready, you put it all together in a serving bowl. Add some spicy sauce on top for an extra zing! It’s that easy to bring Korean cooking right into your kitchen.

The steps are clear: marinate, stir fry, assemble. No need to be a pro chef or have fancy tools! Anyone can make this dish at home with just a few fresh ingredients and basic kitchen gear.

Plus, making it yourself means you can choose how spicy or mild you want your bibimbap to be. Try different veggies or sauces each time—for food that’s always exciting but never too tough to make.

Delicious flavors

The delicious flavors of chicken bibimbap come from a combination of savory, spicy, and umami notes. The seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and spicy homemade bibimbap sauce create a rich and satisfying taste experience that is both comforting and exciting.

With layers of garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin adding depth to the dish, every bite offers a burst of flavorful goodness.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that when prepared with an assortment of fresh ingredients such as carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and bean sprouts along with gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste), the dish becomes a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Nutritious

Chicken bibimbap is a nutritious meal, packed with essential nutrients from variouscolorful vegetables and lean proteins. The dish typically includes carrots, spinach, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and chicken breast cooked in flavorful Korean seasonings like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

These ingredients offer a variety of vitamins and minerals crucial for overall health.

Moreover, the gochujang sauce used in bibimbap contains capsaicin derived from red chili peppers, which has been associated with health benefits such as improved metabolism and lower blood pressure.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Bibimbap

This Easy Chicken Bibimbap recipe calls for a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients, including chicken breast, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, rice, and an assortment of colorful vegetables such as carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and bean sprouts.

Gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste) is also included in the mix to add a spicy kick to the dish.

Chicken breast

To make easy chicken bibimbap, start by marinating thinly sliced chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This will infuse the chicken with savory flavors and ensure it’s tender when cooked.

As you assemble your bibimbap bowl, place the cooked seasoned vegetables on top of hot steamed rice and add the marinated chicken as a delicious protein element. Don’t forget to drizzle spicy gochujang sauce over everything for an extra kick of heat! Whether you’re using a regular bowl or a sizzling hot stone bowl for dolsot bibimbap, this flavorful dish with its well-seasoned and juicy chicken will surely become one of your favorite go-to meals on busy days.

Garlic

Before marinating the chicken, let’s talk about an essential ingredient in Korean cooking – garlic. This pungent bulb is a staple in bibimbap sauce and adds savory depth to the dish.

Garlic paste or finely minced garlic cloves are often used to infuse the marinade with its distinct flavor, enriching the overall taste of the chicken bulgogi. Apart from its culinary role, garlic also holds potential health benefits, known for its digestive properties that can complement the wholesome nature of chicken bibimbap.

As you prepare this flavorful dish, remember that a little bit of garlic can enhance both taste and nutritional value.

Ginger

Moving on from the flavorful addition of garlic, let’s talk about ginger. Ginger is an essential ingredient in chicken bibimbap, adding a warm and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.

It provides a subtle heat and aromatic undertones that complement the savory and umami flavors of the chicken bulgogi and vegetables. Additionally, ginger offers digestive benefits, making it a great choice for those seeking a comforting meal that is gentle on the stomach.

When combined with other traditional seasonings like garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang, ginger enhances the overall depth of flavor in this Korean rice bowl dish. Its unique taste contributes to the distinctive profile of chicken bibimbap while offering its own set of health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and aiding digestion.

Soy sauce

Moving from discussing the flavors of ginger, we cannot overlook the importance of soy sauce in creating the authentic taste of chicken bibimbap. Soy sauce is a fundamental ingredient in Korean cuisine, adding depth and richness to dishes.

It contributes a salty umami flavor that complements bibimbap’s spicy and savory elements. When combined with other seasonings like garlic, sesame oil, and mirin, soy sauce enhances the overall taste profile of the dish by infusing it with a well-rounded savoriness.

Additionally, soy sauce offers versatility in its usage as it can be used for marinating proteins or as a seasoning during cooking. Its ability to tenderize meat while imparting a delicious salty flavor makes it essential to preparing chicken bulgogi for bibimbap.

Sesame oil

Sesame oil is a key ingredient in chicken bibimbap, adding a nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish. It also brings a rich depth to the homemade spicy bibimbap sauce. This versatile oil is used for marinating the chicken, creating a savory base for the flavors to develop.

Additionally, drizzling on top of the assembled bowl enhances the overall taste with its distinct nuttiness and fragrant notes. Sesame oil not only contributes to the deliciousness of this recipe but also provides health benefits due to its high antioxidant content and potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Using sesame oil in chicken bibimbap adds layers of flavor and complexity while offering potential health advantages, making it an essential component worth incorporating into your cooking routine.

Scallions

Scallions, also known as green onions, are an essential ingredient in chicken bibimbap. These mild and fresh-tasting onions provide a subtle onion flavor without being overpowering.

When chopped, they add a pop of color to the dish and blend well with the savory and spicy flavors of the bibimbap sauce. Additionally, scallions contribute a satisfying crunch to each bite of this delicious Korean rice bowl.

The versatility of scallions extends beyond their taste; they also bring nutritional benefits to the table, providing vitamins A and K while being low in calories. Their inclusion in chicken bibimbap not only enhances its flavor profile but also adds a layer of freshness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

To make an exceptional chicken bibimbap at home, incorporating finely chopped scallions is key for achieving that authentic touch.

Rice

Now that you have a flavorful mix of marinated chicken and seasoned vegetables, it’s time to prepare the perfect bed for them – rice. When making chicken bibimbap, opt for short grain rice, which has a slightly sticky texture ideal for holding all the savory ingredients together.

This type of rice is commonly used in Korean cuisine and provides a great base for absorbing the delicious flavors of the dish. Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch, then cook it according to package instructions until tender and fluffy.

Once your rice is ready, distribute it evenly into serving bowls to create a satisfying foundation for your vibrant chicken bibimbap creation.

Vegetables (carrots, spinach, mushrooms, bean sprouts)

Carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and bean sprouts are essential components of a vibrant chicken bibimbap. Carrots add crunch and sweetness, while spinach contributes a subtle earthy flavor.

Meanwhile, mushrooms bring an umami richness to the dish, and bean sprouts provide a refreshing crunch. These colorful vegetables not only enhance the visual appeal of the bibimbap but also provide a variety of textures and flavors that complement the seasoned chicken and spicy gochujang sauce.

The combination of these vegetables offers a range of nutrients like vitamins A and C from carrots, iron from spinach, potassium from mushrooms, and fiber from bean sprouts. This array adds a nutritional boost to your meal along with lively colors and tasty tastes when combined with other savory elements in this classic Korean rice bowl dish.

Gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste)

Gochujang is a Korean red chili pepper paste that adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to dishes. It’s made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and red chili powder. With its savory and sweet undertones, gochujang brings an umami richness to bibimbap.

This versatile ingredient also packs a punch in various Korean recipes due to its complex and intense taste profile with a hint of heat.

The preparation process involves mixing the paste with other seasonings like garlic, sesame oil, and sugar to create a savory gochujang sauce that provides the perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness for your chicken bibimbap.

How to Make Easy Chicken Bibimbap

Marinating the chicken is essential for adding flavor to the dish, while preparing the vegetables and assembling the bowl requires attention to detail. Read on to discover the step-by-step process and unleash your inner Korean chef!

How to Marinate the Chicken for Bibimbap

To prepare the chicken for Bibimbap, start by marinating it to add flavor and tenderness. Marinating the chicken involves blending it with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors properly. After marination, the chicken will be fragrant and ready to be cooked with that delicious Korean twist. This sets the stage for preparing the other components of this flavorful dish. Let’s move on to preparing the vegetables for your Easy Chicken Bibimbap recipe.

How to Cook the Vegetables for Bibimbap

To prepare the vegetables for the chicken bibimbap, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash and thinly slice carrots, mushrooms, and scallions.
2. Blanch spinach in boiling water for a few seconds, then transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
3. Julienne bell peppers into thin strips.
4. Rinse bean sprouts and plunge snap peas into a small pot of water until tender. Drain and set aside.
5. Ensure all vegetables are at room temperature before assembling the bibimbap bowl.

How to Assemble Your Chicken Bibimbap Bowl

To assemble the bowl, follow these steps:

1. Start by placing a generous serving of cooked rice as the base. The rice should form the foundation of your bibimbap bowl.
2. Place the sautéed and seasoned vegetables on top of the rice. These vegetables bring color, flavor, and texture to the dish, making it visually appealing and delicious.
3. Next, add a portion of the marinated spicy chicken bulgogi to the bowl. The aromatic flavors of the chicken will complement the vegetables and rice.
4. Drizzle a spoonful of hot chili pepper sauce (gochujang) over the chicken and vegetables. This adds an extra kick of heat and flavor to the dish.
5. Optionally, top your bibimbap with a poached egg for added richness and creaminess, along with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for additional depth of flavor.
6. Sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top for a nutty crunch that enhances both taste and presentation.
7. Carefully mix all the components together just before you’re ready to eat, ensuring that every bite is bursting with diverse flavors and textures.
8. Enjoy your homemade chicken bibimbap as a wholesome and satisfying meal that tantalizes your taste buds while providing comfort and nourishment.

Serving suggestions

Top your easy chicken bibimbap with a perfectly poached egg, a generous drizzle of toasted sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Additionally, you can add more spicy sauce to enhance the dish further.

For an extra crunch, consider topping it with some crunchy kimchi or pickled vegetables on the side for contrast in flavors. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Korean delight that will surely satisfy your taste buds!

The sizzling hot stone bowl version known as dolsot bibimbap brings an additional element of texture and flavor to the dish that elevates the overall dining experience. The hot stone bowl aids in creating crispiness in the rice, which adds an enjoyable crunch to every bite.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Chicken Bibimbap

To achieve the perfect bibimbap, marinate the chicken for the right amount of time and balance the textures of the vegetables. Selecting the right mix of vegetables is also essential to create an authentic and flavorful dish.

Proper marination time

For the perfect chicken bibimbap, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil to infuse into the chicken, giving it a delicious taste when cooked.

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Marinating longer helps tenderize the meat while adding depth to its flavor. It’s an important step for creating a tasty and aromatic chicken bulgogi that will elevate your bibimbap bowl.

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The proper marination time ensures that the seasonings penetrate the meat fully, creating a rich and savory taste in every bite. Soaking the chicken in these flavorful ingredients also helps in achieving a well-balanced fusion of Korean seasonings, enhancing the overall taste of this classic dish.

Achieving the right balance of textures

To achieve the right balance of textures in your chicken bibimbap, focus on combining soft and crunchy elements. The tender marinated chicken and sautéed vegetables provide a soft texture, while the crispy bean sprouts and carrots add a delightful crunch.

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This combination creates an exciting contrast that elevates the overall dining experience. Additionally, incorporating sesame seeds or toasted seaweed strips brings a satisfying nuttiness to each bite, enhancing both flavor and texture.

By carefully selecting and preparing ingredients with varying textures, you can create a well-rounded dish that excites the palate with every mouthful without overwhelming it. And remember – texture is just as crucial as taste in making a truly satisfying bibimbap experience!

Choosing the right vegetables

When choosing vegetables for your chicken bibimbap, opt for colorful and textured varieties like carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. These vegetables not only add visual appeal to your dish but also provide essential nutrients.

Carrots bring a pop of color and natural sweetness, while spinach offers a tender texture with a gentle flavor. Shiitake mushrooms contribute a rich umami taste that complements the dish’s overall savoriness, and bean sprouts introduce a delightful crunch.

By incorporating these diverse vegetables into your bibimbap, you’ll create a visually appealing, flavorful meal packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an easy chicken bibimbap dish at home is a practical and efficient way to enjoy the savory, spicy, and umami flavors of this Korean delight. By following the simple steps and tips provided in this article, you can confidently prepare a delicious and wholesome meal for yourself or your family.

Embracing the versatility of ingredients allows you to personalize your bibimbap according to your preferences while still enjoying its comforting and flavorful nature. As you embark on this culinary journey, remember that mastering the art of making chicken bibimbap offers not only a satisfying dining experience but also an opportunity to explore new flavors and cooking techniques from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Bibimbap

1. What is Chicken Bibimbap?

Chicken Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish made with rice, veggies, and chicken. It’s spicy and served in a bowl.

2. Can I make this Korean dish at home?

Yes! Use boneless skinless chicken thighs, cook them on medium heat until golden brown. Mix with different ingredients like mung bean sprouts and fresh shiitake mushrooms then serve over rice.

3. What do I need to cook the chicken for bibimbap?

Cook the chicken pieces in a large sauté pan on medium-high heat with some oil until they reach the right internal temperature which means they are safe to eat.

4. How long should I store leftover bibimbap?

Put your leftover bibimbap bowls in an airtight container and keep them in a fridge but eat within a few days for best taste.

5. Do I use cold water when making Chicken Bibimbap?

For some parts of the recipe like rinsing rice or soaking certain veggies, you might use cold water before cooking them.

6. Can we put raw egg yolk on top of Chicken Bibimbap like Korean restaurants do?

Yes! After putting your cooked ingredients into the bowl, place a raw egg yolk on top just before eating if you want it to be like what you get at Korean restaurants.

7. Can I make Korean bibimbap with chicken bulgogi?

Yes! Bulgogi translates to “fire meat.” It’s thinly sliced meat marinated for an hour in soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Adjust the recipe accordingly.

Chicken Bibimbap Recipe Card

Chicken Bibimbap Recipe

Course: Main, ChickenCuisine: Asian, Korean

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

667

kcal

Chicken bibimbap is a delicious and nutritious Korean dish that combines rice, marinated chicken, vegetables, and spicy sauce in a bowl. It’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients and customizable to your taste. This recipe will show you how to create a flavorful chicken bibimbap that will satisfy your cravings for something new and exciting.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup of soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon of grated ginger

• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil

• 4 cups of cooked short-grain rice

• 2 carrots, peeled and julienned

• 4 cups of baby spinach

• 8 ounces of shiitake mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cups of bean sprouts

• 4 eggs

• 1/4 cup of gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste)

• 2 tablespoons of sugar

• 2 tablespoons of water

• 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds

• 4 scallions, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Vegetable oil for cooking

Directions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil45. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, sugar, and water. Set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat some oil and cook the chicken for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
• In the same skillet over medium-high heat, heat some more oil and cook the carrots for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a bowl.
• In the same skillet over medium-high heat, heat some more oil and cook the spinach for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to another bowl.
• In the same skillet over medium-high heat, heat some more oil and cook the mushrooms for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to another bowl.
• To serve, divide the rice among four large bowls. Top each bowl with some chicken, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Drizzle some gochujang sauce over each bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Place an egg on top of each bowl and enjoy!

Notes

• Nutrition information: Per serving: Calories: 667, Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 79 g, Protein: 40 g, Fiber: 8 g, Sodium: 1280 mg
• You can use any vegetables you like for this recipe, such as zucchini, broccoli, or cabbage. Just make sure to cook them until tender and season them well.
• Use beef, pork, or tofu instead of chicken. You will have to adjust the cooking time.
• Add more or less sugar and water to adjust the spiciness of the gochujang sauce. Vinegar and lemon juice will add acidity.
• A hot stone bowl (dolsot) adds authenticity. Warm it in the oven before serving.