If you crave bold, vibrant flavors paired with the kind of casual comfort that makes weeknights exciting, this Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Sweet and savory ground chicken, rich peanut-sesame sauce, caramelized kimchi, and a flurry of crunchy, fresh toppings—all bundled up in warm tortillas. Every bite is a playful fusion of Korean street food and taco night nostalgia, making this dish a little celebration you’ll want to share (or totally keep to yourself).

Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe is just how approachable the ingredient list is: every component has a purpose, layering flavor and texture to create something memorable. A mix of pantry staples and a few fresh produce picks combine for results that are anything but basic.

Avocado oil: Adds a neutral, heart-healthy fat that supports browning and flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ground chicken: The mild, juicy base that absorbs all those savory-sweet sauce notes beautifully.
Salt & pepper: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors in the chicken and sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Savory umami that gives depth to the sauce while letting the other flavors shine through.
Brown sugar: Balances spice and tang with a touch of caramelized sweetness in both the chicken and the kimchi.
Garlic: Minced fresh for that unmistakable punch; it’s the backbone of the sauce’s savoriness.
Ginger paste or fresh ginger: Brings brightness and just a bit of heat for complexity.
Peanut butter: Creamy richness that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a teaspoon perfumes the sauce—don’t skip it!
Sriracha (optional): Adds a welcome kick for anyone who likes a bit of heat in each bite.
Warm water: Helps the sauce come together smoothly and coat the chicken perfectly.
Kimchi: The secret flavor weapon! Roughly chopped for maximum texture and tangy punch.
More avocado oil: Used to caramelize the kimchi for extra savoriness.
More brown sugar: Sweetens and helps caramelize the kimchi for real depth.
Flour tortillas (6-inch, fajita-size): Soft, stretchy, and perfect for holding generous scoops of fillings.
For serving (assorted toppings): Cucumbers and carrots (crisp freshness), avocado (creamy contrast), fresh herbs (like cilantro, mint, green onions—herbal zing), crushed peanuts (crunchy finish), sriracha mayo (zippy creaminess), and lime wedges (just the right tang).

How to Make Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Brown and Season the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of avocado oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground chicken with generous pinches of salt and pepper, breaking it up as it cooks. You want to keep the chicken moving and encourage those lovely, golden-brown edges—about five to six minutes and you’ll see why this step gives the Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe its irresistible savory foundation.

Step 2: Whisk up the Signature Sauce

While the chicken works its magic, grab a small mixing bowl to whisk together your umami-packed sauce: low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, peanut butter, sesame oil, sriracha (if you dare!), and a splash of warm water to make it silky-smooth. This sauce is where the soul of this Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe lives, wrapping every morsel of chicken in a blanket of sweet-salty goodness.

Step 3: Bring Chicken and Sauce Together

Once the chicken is cooked through, dial the heat down to low. Pour in the sauce and stir until every piece is glossy and coated. Let it simmer gently for a minute or two so the flavors meld—this is the moment your kitchen officially smells like pure magic.

Step 4: Caramelize the Kimchi

Time for some magic in a second skillet: add two teaspoons of avocado oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped kimchi and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally. After five minutes, sprinkle in the brown sugar. The edges will start to caramelize, and the flavor will deepen, transforming the kimchi into something even more magnificent. If bits stick, a splash of rice vinegar or water brings it all together.

Step 5: Prep Toppings and Tortillas

While your fillings cool slightly, slice cucumbers and carrots into thin strips, slice that avocado for creamy drama, and chop your herb and peanut toppings. You’re curating a taco experience as vibrant as it is delicious. Then, quickly warm the tortillas in a microwave, oven, or get that delightful char by grilling them a few seconds over a gas burner.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Build your perfect taco: start with chicken, add caramelized kimchi, layer on veggies, heap on avocado and fresh herbs, dust with peanuts, and finish with a swirl of sriracha mayo and a squeeze of lime. Each bite of the Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe is a work of flavor art—customizable for any mood or craving.

How to Serve Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnishes make these tacos pop! Crushed peanuts add crunch, sriracha mayo a spicy-creamy zing, and fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and green onion dial up the color and freshness. Cucumber and carrot ribbons, juicy avocado, and a bright squeeze of lime finish every taco gorgeously.

Side Dishes

Pair your Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe with sides that echo its playful spirit—think crisp Asian slaw, sesame-dressed salad, or a small bowl of pickled radishes. Even classic tortilla chips and a tangy salsa make solid sidekicks for these flavor-packed tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive by setting up a DIY taco bar so everyone can top their own creations. Try serving mini tacos for party bites, or pile the fillings onto lettuce leaves for a low-carb, ultra-fresh riff. Even stuff the leftover mix into a rice bowl or add a fried egg for the ultimate brunch mashup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken, caramelized kimchi, and toppings keep best when stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and kimchi both last up to 3 days and taste just as bold the next day, making lunchtime meal prep a breeze.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Kimchi is less freezer-friendly but holds up okay for a couple of weeks if portioned and wrapped well.

Reheating

For best texture and flavor, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. If microwaving, cover loosely and add a splash of water to keep it juicy. Warm tortillas just before serving and assemble the tacos fresh for maximum crunch and oomph!

FAQs

Can I use a different protein for this Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even crumbled firm tofu work beautifully. Each will soak up the sauce differently, but the flavors stay just as bold and delicious.

Is there a vegetarian version of these tacos?

Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tempeh, or tofu. Everything else—sauce, kimchi, and toppings—remains the same, so the dish stays as punchy and satisfying as the original.

How spicy are these tacos?

The heat is totally customizable. Use as much or as little sriracha as you like, and if your kimchi is particularly spicy, feel free to balance things out with extra avocado or a drizzle of creamy sriracha mayo.

Can I make the Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe ahead for a crowd?

Yes! Prep and store the chicken, kimchi, and chopped toppings separately. Warm everything right before serving, and let guests build their own tacos for a low-stress, high-flavor party option.

What if I can’t find kimchi?

If kimchi is unavailable, swap in a homemade quick-pickled cabbage and carrot slaw with a splash of rice vinegar and a squeeze of sriracha for that essential tang and crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something a little magical about the Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe—every element brings color, flavor, and a sense of fun to the table. If you’re ready to break out of the usual taco routine and wow your tastebuds, give this recipe a try. I can’t wait for you to make it your own!

Korean Chicken Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

These Korean Chicken Tacos are a fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors, creating a delicious and unique dish that is perfect for a casual dinner or a fun gathering.

Instructions

Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a skillet, cook ground chicken until done. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, peanut butter, sesame oil, sriracha, and water. Add the sauce to the chicken, stir to combine.
Kimchi: Cook kimchi in avocado oil until moisture evaporates. Add brown sugar and cook until caramelized.
Veggie Prep: Slice cucumbers, carrots, avocado. Chop herbs and peanuts.
Assembly: Warm tortillas, add chicken, caramelized kimchi, veggies, avocado, herbs, peanuts. Drizzle with sriracha mayo and lime juice.

Notes

If desired, you can make a quick sriracha mayo by mixing mayonnaise with sriracha sauce to taste.
Adjust the level of sriracha to control the spiciness of the dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-Mexican)