If you’re craving a burger that’s anything but ordinary, these Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam are going to blow you away. Juicy chicken patties infused with gochujang—a bold and spicy Korean chili paste—deliver a kick of flavor in every bite.
The real star of the show, though, is the sweet, smoky, and tangy kimchi bacon jam, which balances the heat and brings an irresistible umami depth.
Nestled inside a soft brioche bun with fresh toppings, this burger is a bold fusion of Korean and American flavors that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
This dish takes the comforting familiarity of a chicken burger and elevates it with adventurous global flavors, making it one of those recipes that’s both approachable and unforgettable.
My Opinion
The first time I made these burgers at home, I was instantly hooked.
The combination of flavors is unlike anything else—spicy from the gochujang, smoky from the bacon, tangy from the kimchi, and just the right touch of sweetness from the honey and brown sugar. It feels like a flavor explosion with every bite.
The best part for me was the kimchi bacon jam. Honestly, I could eat it by the spoonful. It adds such an addictive twist that I now make extra just to keep in the fridge for sandwiches, eggs, or even toast.
As for the patties, they come together so easily and stay juicy, which is always a win with ground chicken.
This recipe quickly became one of my go-to dinner options when I want to impress friends or when I’m simply craving something exciting. It feels like restaurant-quality food made right at home, and I love that balance of comfort with a touch of adventure.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🔥 Bold Korean-Inspired Flavors – Gochujang adds heat and depth, balanced by smoky-sweet bacon jam.
- 🍔 Not Your Average Burger – A creative twist that combines Korean flavors with classic American comfort food.
- 🥢 Easy and Approachable – Despite sounding gourmet, the steps are simple and beginner-friendly.
- ⏱ Quick to Prepare – Ready in about 45 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- 🍳 Customizable – Easily adapt the spice level, swap proteins, or use gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives.
- 🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for BBQs, casual dinners, or when you want to impress guests.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan (for patties)
- Small saucepan (for the kimchi bacon jam)
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer (to check patties reach 165°F / 75°C)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
For the Gochujang Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 4 slices turkey bacon (or beef bacon for halal)
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped and drained
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Assembly:
- 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lettuce, cucumber slices, or other desired toppings
Instructions
1. Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
- Add chopped kimchi and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly caramelized.
- Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Add the crumbled bacon back in and mix well. Keep warm on low heat.
2. Make the Gochujang Chicken Patties
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, green onions, pepper, and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Shape into 4 equal patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and reaching an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).
3. Toast the Buns
Slice buns in half, lightly butter, and toast cut side down in the same skillet until golden, about 2 minutes.
4. Assemble the Burgers
- Mix mayo with sriracha (if using). Spread on the bottom bun.
- Place a chicken patty on top.
- Add a generous spoonful of kimchi bacon jam.
- Garnish with cilantro and toppings of choice.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.
Storage & Freezing
- Patties: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Kimchi Bacon Jam: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer.
- Assembly Tip: Toast buns fresh before serving to prevent sogginess.
Expert Tips
- ✅ Don’t skip blotting or draining the kimchi—it prevents the jam from becoming watery.
- ✅ Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked patties.
- ✅ Make the jam ahead—it keeps well and saves time on busy nights.
- ✅ For lighter burgers, use ground turkey breast with a touch of olive oil for moisture.
- ✅ Customize the spice by adding more gochujang or adjusting the sriracha mayo.
Serving Suggestions
- 🍟 Pair with sweet potato fries, crispy potato wedges, or tangy cabbage slaw.
- 🥗 Serve with a cucumber salad or light arugula salad for freshness.
- 🍺 Drinks: Try with a crisp beer, iced green tea, or a fruity lemonade.
- 👶 Kid-Friendly: Serve plain patties on a bun with honey mayo for milder flavor.
Recipe Variations
- 🌱 Vegetarian: Use a veggie patty or chickpea-quinoa patty, still topped with kimchi jam.
- 🌶 Extra Spicy: Add jalapeños or double the gochujang.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free: Use tamari, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and GF buns.
- 🥓 Alternative Bacon: Swap turkey bacon for beef bacon or smoky vegan bacon.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought kimchi?
Yes! Store-bought kimchi works great—just make sure it’s well-drained.
Can I prep patties in advance?
Absolutely. Shape patties ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Can I freeze uncooked patties?
Yes. Freeze shaped patties on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam are everything you want in a burger—juicy, flavorful, and packed with bold global flair. They’re quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to wow guests at a cookout. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain burgers!