Skewers are bold, fragrant, and irresistible, perfect for garlic lovers! Featuring tender chicken marinated with a sweet, spicy Korean-inspired sauce and roasted garlic butter glaze, this dish is both comforting and exciting.
The use of 50 cloves of garlic makes it rich but surprisingly mellow once roasted.
Serve these skewers as a fun main dish with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or alongside kimchi and pickled veggies for a true Korean-inspired feast.
50-Clove Korean Garlic Butter Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Skewers metal or soaked wooden
- Grill pan, outdoor grill, or oven broiler
- Small saucepan for garlic butter glaze
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil or baking sheet if roasting garlic in oven
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
Garlic Butter Glaze
- 44 cloves garlic about 3 whole bulbs, roasted until soft
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochugaru Korean chili flakes, optional for heat
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Garnish
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off 3 whole garlic bulbs, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until cloves are soft and caramelized.Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper. Add chicken chunks, toss well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.Cook the Skewers: Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes per side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the pan, mash gently, and whisk until smooth. Add soy sauce, gochugaru, and sesame oil, stirring to combine.Glaze the Skewers: Brush hot garlic butter glaze generously over the cooked skewers.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice, salad, or kimchi.
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (~210g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Total Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 140 mg |
| Sodium | 1020 mg |
| Potassium | 690 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 950 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 55 mg |
| Iron | 2.3 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- For a mellower garlic flavor, roast the garlic longer at a lower temperature.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
- Add vegetables (like bell peppers or onions) to the skewers for color and variety.
- Leftover garlic butter is fantastic on bread, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.
How About Serving Ideas?
These skewers are bursting with garlicky, buttery flavor, so the sides you choose should balance and complement their richness. For a sit-down meal, they pair perfectly with simple starches and fresh vegetables:
- Steamed jasmine or sticky rice – absorbs the garlic butter juices.
- Kimchi or pickled radishes – adds tang and crunch.
- Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers – bring smokiness and color.
- Light cucumber salad – refreshing and cools down the bold flavors.
For casual gatherings or a more interactive style of dining, you can transform the skewers into party-ready bites:
- Serve them with dipping sauces like gochujang mayo, soy-sesame glaze, or yogurt-based dips.
- Offer lettuce wraps with rice and pickled veggies so guests can build their own handheld version.
- Pair with drinks such as Korean soju, a crisp lager, or light white wine to round out the meal.
Final Thoughts
These 50-Clove Korean Garlic Butter Chicken Skewers are a bold celebration of flavor, combining the deep umami of Korean spices with the rich, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic butter.
Despite the intimidating number of garlic cloves, the result is savory, balanced, and incredibly satisfying.
Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious twist on classic skewers that’s both comforting and unforgettable.
Read more: Learn how to make the perfect creamy delight lemon chicken quickly and very easily!
I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.
