Published on January 20, 2026
Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Grilling · Storage: Leftover chicken patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
These Gochujang Chicken Burgers infused with Kimchi Bacon Jam offer a delightful fusion of Korean flavors perfect for festive gatherings.
As the festive season approaches in New York City, my mind drifts to flavor combinations that can elevate any gathering. The Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam have become my go-to dish, bringing a mouthwatering depth of taste that shines at any dinner table. This recipe not only surprises with its unique character but also celebrates the vibrant notes of Korean cuisine, making it a standout for holiday feasts.
A Flavorful Fusion for Gatherings
These Gochujang Chicken Burgers serve as a delightful centerpiece, showcasing how traditional flavors can come together to create something truly special for your festivities.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously unique flavor with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
- Easy to prepare, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and gatherings.
- Customizable to your taste—add extra spice or fresh herbs as desired.
- Perfectly complements festive occasions and casual get-togethers.
- Uses high-quality ingredients, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients
This recipe combines all the essentials for a mouthwatering experience.
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 4 strips of thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup kimchi
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For Serving:
- Brioche buns
- Lettuce and tomato
- Sliced scallions
How to Make Gochujang Chicken Burgers (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create flavorful Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam.
Step 1: Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam
Start by crisping the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. As it renders, you’ll enjoy the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen! Once it’s golden brown, chop it into bits and stir in the kimchi and brown sugar. Cook it down until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like, about 10 minutes. The sweet and spicy aroma is simply intoxicating. Set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Burger Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix gently; be careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into patties that are about ¾ inch thick.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re grilling, brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a beautiful golden brown crust. The gochujang gives them a lovely char that’s hard to resist!
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
Toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster. Layer lettuce, a chicken patty, a generous scoop of kimchi bacon jam, sliced tomatoes, and scallions.
Step 5: Enjoy
Dig in and savor the symphony of flavors—the sweet, spicy, and savory notes will have your taste buds singing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Chicken: This can lead to tough burgers. Gently mix until just combined.
- Not Cooking to Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Allow the patties to sit for a few minutes after cooking—this helps them retain moisture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro to the chicken mixture.
- If you want to amplify the spiciness, consider adding some diced fresh chili to the patties.
- Serve with sweet potato fries for a deliciously complementary side.
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey for ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Use sriracha in place of gochujang if you prefer a different heat profile.
- Incorporate different types of kimchi for diverse flavor experiences.
How to Serve
- Layer the burger with lettuce, a chicken patty, kimchi bacon jam, sliced tomatoes, and scallions on a toasted brioche bun.
- Accompany with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad.
- Offer additional condiments like mayonnaise or pickled veggies for extra flavor options.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the kimchi bacon jam a day in advance and store it in the fridge to allow flavors to meld.
- Storage: Leftover chicken patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken patties on a skillet for best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked chicken patties for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Cooking these Gochujang Chicken Burgers reminded me of the joy of merging traditional flavors with casual eats. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to replicate that smoky, savory essence many of us crave during the festive season!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 Burgers · Serving Size: 1 Burger
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~450 calories · 25g protein · 30g carbs · 25g fat
Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, then chop into bits and mix with kimchi and brown sugar. Cook until thickened, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix gently and form into patties approximately ¾ inch thick.
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Toast brioche buns and assemble burgers with lettuce, chicken patty, kimchi bacon jam, sliced tomatoes, and scallions.
- Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the gochujang and other ingredients.
2. How spicy are these Gochujang Chicken Burgers?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on the amount of gochujang used. If you’re sensitive to heat, consider reducing it slightly.
3. Can I make the kimchi bacon jam ahead of time?
Absolutely! The kimchi bacon jam can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.
4. What should I serve with these burgers?
These burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.
5. How do I know when the chicken burgers are done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
