Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam

Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam are a bold, spicy-sweet twist on your classic burger night. Juicy ground chicken is infused with Korean gochujang (fermented red chili paste), garlic, and ginger, then grilled or seared to perfection. Topped with a smoky-sweet kimchi bacon jam and crisp garnishes, every bite is a flavor explosion—savory, spicy, tangy, and utterly addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy chicken burgers with a unique Korean-inspired kick
• Kimchi bacon jam adds deep umami and smoky-sweet richness
• Perfect balance of heat, acid, and savory flavors
• Great for summer grilling or a creative weeknight dinner
• Crowd-pleasing and customizable with toppings and sides

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the gochujang chicken burgers:

• Ground chicken (preferably thigh for extra juiciness)
• Gochujang
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Green onions, finely chopped
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Sesame oil
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil or neutral oil (for cooking)

For the kimchi bacon jam:

• Bacon, chopped
• Kimchi, chopped and drained
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Gochujang (optional for extra heat)
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper

For serving:

• Brioche or potato burger buns
• Lettuce or cabbage slaw
• Sliced cucumber or pickles
• Mayonnaise or spicy mayo
• Additional gochujang (optional drizzle)

directions

Make the kimchi bacon jam:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of fat in the pan.
2. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft and golden.
3. Stir in chopped kimchi, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and gochujang if using. Cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Return bacon to the pan and stir. Simmer until jammy, about 3 more minutes. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Make the chicken burgers:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, gochujang, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, panko, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form into 4 patties. Chill for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
3. Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high and oil the surface. Cook patties 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F and they’re nicely browned.

Assemble the burgers:

1. Toast burger buns if desired.
2. Spread mayo or spicy mayo on the bottom bun, add a layer of lettuce or slaw.
3. Place the gochujang chicken patty on top. Spoon on a generous amount of kimchi bacon jam.
4. Add sliced cucumbers or pickles and the top bun. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 burgers.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Make it pork or turkey: Swap ground chicken for ground pork or turkey.
• Go bun-less: Serve as lettuce wraps or over rice for a bowl-style meal.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground and omit the bacon in the jam or use vegan bacon.
• Add cheese: A melty slice of pepper jack or cheddar takes it up a notch.
• Make it milder: Reduce or omit extra gochujang for a less spicy version.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Kimchi bacon jam can be refrigerated for up to 1 week—reheat gently before serving.
Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months; thaw before cooking.

FAQs

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented red chili paste—spicy, sweet, and full of umami.

Can I make these burgers on the grill?

Yes! Just be sure to oil the grates well and handle the patties gently—they’re softer than beef burgers.

Is the bacon jam really spicy?

It’s flavorful with a mild kick, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of gochujang.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey (especially thigh meat) works great in this recipe.

What buns work best?

Brioche or potato buns offer a soft, slightly sweet base that complements the spicy filling.

Can I make the bacon jam ahead of time?

Absolutely—it tastes even better the next day and stores well in the fridge.

What should I serve on the side?

Sweet potato fries, Asian slaw, or sesame cucumber salad make great pairings.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce/tamari and panko, and serve on a GF bun or lettuce wrap.

Do I have to chill the patties before cooking?

It helps them firm up and hold their shape but isn’t absolutely necessary.

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes—just use extra kimchi and onion for a vegetarian version of the jam.

Conclusion

Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam are a next-level burger experience. Packed with spicy-sweet-savory flavor, these burgers are bold, juicy, and impossible to forget. Whether you’re looking to spice up your burger game or impress your guests with something new, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver big flavor in every bite.

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