If you love bold flavors and crave something truly unique for your burger nights, let me introduce you to the star of my kitchen: Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam. This delicious creation combines tender, juicy chicken patties infused with spicy, sweet gochujang and topped with an addictive kimchi bacon jam that delivers layers of tangy, smoky, and savory goodness in every bite. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or just looking to elevate your burger game, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite for impressing friends and family alike.

Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet vibrant ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in these Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam. Each component brings a special touch, from the spicy heat of gochujang to the rich caramel notes of the kimchi jam, making the assembling process as exciting as the eating.

Ground chicken (1 lb): The lean and tender base for your patties, perfect for absorbing flavor.
Gochujang (3 tbsp): Adds a signature spicy, savory, and slightly sweet depth to the chicken.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Provides umami richness and saltiness, essential to balance the heat.
Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that makes every bite irresistible.
Honey (1 tbsp): Just enough sweetness to mellow out the spice and enhance caramelization.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Classic aromatic punch that wakes up all the flavors.
Fresh ginger (1-inch piece, grated): Adds freshness and a subtle zing to complement the heat.
Green onions (¼ cup, chopped): Bright and crisp, they bring a lovely freshness to the patties.
Black pepper (½ tsp): A little peppery heat that layers with the gochujang.
Breadcrumbs (¼ cup, optional): Helps bind the patties for a perfect texture without heaviness.
Vegetable oil (1 tbsp): For cooking, ensuring a beautifully golden crust.
Turkey bacon (4 slices): Crisp and savory, it’s the smoky star of the kimchi jam.
Kimchi (½ cup, chopped): Tangy, fermented goodness that energizes the jam with Korean flavor.
Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Sweet and soft, forming the rich base of the jam.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Balances out acidity and heat with a deep sweetness.
Rice vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds brightness and a subtle tang to the kimchi bacon jam.
Sriracha (optional, 1 tbsp): For a creamy, spicy mayo to amp up the burger’s kick.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creamy vehicle to bring everything together smoothly.
Fresh cilantro: Herbaceous garnish that refreshes each bite.
Burger buns (4, soft): Brioche or potato rolls work beautifully for softness and subtle sweetness.
Lettuce and sliced cucumber: Optional toppings adding crunch and freshness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): Extra heat if you dare!

How to Make Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam

Starting with the kimchi bacon jam is a smart move because it needs time to thicken and develop those rich, layered flavors. Cook the turkey bacon until it’s crispy and packed with smoky goodness, then crumble it up. Use the same pan to caramelize the onions slowly, which brings out their natural sweetness, before adding chopped kimchi that simmers until warm and a little golden around the edges. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, letting everything meld together into a luscious jam-like consistency. Finish by folding in the crumbled bacon and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step 2: Make the Gochujang Chicken Patties

The magic really happens when you combine ground chicken with gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, green onions, and black pepper. These ingredients blend into a flavorful, well-balanced mix that’s both spicy and slightly sweet. Adding a bit of breadcrumbs helps hold everything together without making the patties dense. When forming the patties, handling the mixture gently is crucial to keep them tender and juicy. Cooking each patty in vegetable oil over medium-high heat gives you a nice golden crust on the outside while ensuring the inside stays perfectly cooked and moist.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Toasting the buns feels like a small extra step, but trust me, it changes the game. Spread a little butter on the inside of each bun half, then toast them in the same skillet used for the patties or on a separate pan until golden and slightly crisp. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the bun from getting soggy once you add all those juicy toppings.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

The grand finale is all about layering your flavors with care. Start by mixing mayonnaise with sriracha for a creamy, spicy sauce—or keep it simple with plain mayo if mild is your style. Spread this sauce generously on the bottom bun, then nestle your gochujang chicken patty right on top. Spoon a hearty dollop of the kimchi bacon jam over the patty, sprinkle fresh cilantro and your choice of crisp toppings like lettuce or cucumber, then crown it all with the toasted top bun. The contrast of spicy, smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors in every bite will absolutely delight your taste buds.

How to Serve Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a must-have garnish that brightens the entire burger with herbal crispness. Thinly sliced cucumber or crisp leaf lettuce add refreshing crunch and balance the spicy and savory notes from the burgers and jam. If you want a little extra zing, a few extra slices of green onion or a sprinkle of sesame seeds work wonders.

Side Dishes

These burgers have vibrant Korean-inspired flavors that pair beautifully with light, fresh sides like a cucumber salad tossed with a zingy lemon vinaigrette. For something heartier, sweet potato fries provide a satisfying sweet-and-savory counterpoint that complements the gochujang heat perfectly. If you want to go all in on the Korean flavors, serving the burgers with steamed white rice or extra kimchi will transport your meal to delicious new heights.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the traditional bun and try serving your Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option. You can also turn them into mouthwatering sliders for parties, using mini buns and extra kimchi bacon jam for dipping. Another fun idea is to open-face the burgers and top them with a fried egg for a decadent brunch twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the patties and kimchi bacon jam separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The jam keeps well for up to a week, making it super convenient for boosting flavor in other dishes. The patties will last about 3 days and remain juicy when reheated gently.

Freezing

These burgers freeze nicely if you want to prep ahead for busy days. Freeze cooked patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. The kimchi bacon jam can be frozen separately in small portions. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the patties, warm them over low heat in a skillet or in the oven wrapped in foil. Reheat the kimchi bacon jam gently in a small pan or microwave to maintain its rich texture. Toast fresh buns just before serving to keep everything fresh and tasty.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you want a slightly leaner option. Just keep in mind it might be a bit drier, so adding a touch more sesame oil or a splash of soy sauce can help maintain moisture and flavor.

Is gochujang very spicy?

Gochujang has a moderate spiciness with underlying sweetness and umami, so it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or balance it with honey and mayo if you want to mellow the spice.

Can I make the kimchi bacon jam vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! Swap turkey bacon for a smoky vegan bacon alternative or mushrooms sautéed with smoked paprika. This keeps the jam’s deep, satisfying flavor while making it plant-based friendly.

What if I don’t have kimchi? Is there a substitute?

While kimchi is key to authentic flavor, you can substitute with finely chopped sauerkraut mixed with a bit of chili paste or hot sauce for a tangy, spicy twist. The texture and flavor won’t be quite the same but will still work well in the jam.

How spicy is the sriracha mayo? Can I leave it out?

Sriracha mayo adds a creamy, spicy kick that pairs well with the burger’s richness, but it’s totally optional. If you prefer a milder burger, just use plain mayo or a mild aioli instead.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the combination of spicy gochujang, juicy chicken, and that unforgettable kimchi bacon jam to take your burger experience to the next level. These Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam are exciting, bold, and irresistibly flavorful, making them the perfect centerpiece for any meal that calls for something special. I can’t wait for you to try making them at home and watch how this recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!