If you’ve ever experienced the smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of Korean barbecue, you know how addictive it can be. Now, imagine all of that deliciousness wrapped up in a warm tortilla or flatbread, packed with tender marinated chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet sauce—that’s the magic of Korean BBQ Chicken Wraps. This dish takes inspiration from traditional Korean bulgogi-style marinades and flavors but makes it more portable and weeknight-friendly by serving everything in a wrap.
Why Is This Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap So Popular?
Korean BBQ Chicken Wraps have surged in popularity because they bring global flavors into a familiar format. Here’s why people love them:
- Fusion Appeal – They combine the best of Korean barbecue with the ease of a wrap, making them accessible and versatile.
- Bold Flavors – The marinade is layered with umami-rich soy sauce, the nuttiness of sesame, the heat of gochujang, and a touch of sweetness for balance.
- Healthy Yet Indulgent – Loaded with lean protein, fresh veggies, and customizable sauces, it feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Chicken and sauces can be made ahead, so wraps are quick to assemble anytime.
- Customizable for All Tastes – From mild to spicy, traditional to fusion, you can easily adjust flavors to suit your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap:
- Portable, Flavorful Meal – Perfect for on-the-go lunches or weeknight dinners.
- Burst of Korean Flavors – Sweet, smoky, and spicy in every bite.
- Quick Cooking – With marination done ahead, actual cooking time is under 20 minutes.
- Family-Friendly – Wraps are fun to assemble and customizable for picky eaters.
- Restaurant Quality at Home – You’ll get that authentic Korean BBQ taste without the restaurant bill.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (juicier) or breasts
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the Wrap Assembly:
- 4–6 large flour tortillas or flatbreads (warmed)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ cup kimchi (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
For the Gochujang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
How to Make Korean BBQ Chicken Wraps:
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and vegetable oil. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4–6 hours, for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat a skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Slice the chicken
Thinly slice or chop the rested chicken into bite-sized strips for easy wrapping.
Step 4: Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, and lime juice. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste.
Step 5: Warm tortillas
Lightly heat tortillas in a skillet, oven, or microwave until soft and pliable.
Step 6: Assemble the wraps
Lay a tortilla flat and spread a spoonful of gochujang sauce. Add sliced chicken, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and a small scoop of kimchi. Sprinkle with cilantro or green onions.
Step 7: Fold and serve
Fold the tortilla tightly around the filling. Cut in half if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Success:
- Marinate Overnight – For the most flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use Chicken Thighs – Thighs stay tender and juicy even after grilling.
- Control the Spice – Add more or less gochujang depending on your heat tolerance.
- Crispy Chicken Option – For a twist, dredge marinated chicken in cornstarch and pan-fry until crispy.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Cook chicken in bulk and store in portions for easy weekday wraps.
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations of Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap:
- Rice Bowl Version – Skip the wrap and serve everything over steamed rice.
- Lettuce Wraps – Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
- Spicy Bulgogi Beef Wraps – Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef for a classic bulgogi flavor.
- Seafood Fusion – Try marinated shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian Wrap – Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
Serving Suggestions for Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap:
- With Korean Banchan – Small side dishes like pickled radish, seasoned spinach, or bean sprouts.
- With Fries or Wedges – Sweet potato fries complement the sweet-savory flavors.
- Party Platter Style – Set up a DIY wrap station for guests with chicken, toppings, and sauces.
- Paired with Soup – A light miso or broth-based soup makes a great side.
- Extra Sauce on the Side – Always keep a bowl of gochujang sauce for dipping.
Prep Time:
20 minutes (plus marination)
Cooking Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes (plus marination)
Nutritional Information (per wrap, approx. based on 6 wraps):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Sugar: 12 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
FAQs about Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store separately and assemble wraps when ready to serve.
Q: Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste with moderate heat. It’s spicy but also sweet and savory. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
Q: Can I use store-bought Korean BBQ sauce?
Yes! If you want a shortcut, use bottled Korean BBQ sauce as a marinade.
Q: What’s the best wrap to use?
Flour tortillas or flatbreads work best because they hold the fillings securely, but you can also use naan or pita.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble wraps fresh for best texture.
Final Thoughts:
Korean BBQ Chicken Wraps are the perfect fusion meal, combining the bold, smoky-sweet flavors of Korean cuisine with the ease and portability of a classic wrap. They’re ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even entertaining friends who love global flavors. With a little marination and some fresh ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Korean BBQ in your own kitchen—without the fuss of setting up a full grill table.
Whether you enjoy them spicy or mild, with kimchi or without, these wraps are endlessly customizable and guaranteed to please. Next time you’re craving something exciting, skip the takeout and try these Korean BBQ Chicken Wraps for a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
