Born from the bustling streets and bold flavors of Korea, Cheese Buldak—literally “Fire Chicken with Cheese”—is a beloved modern Korean dish known for its thrilling heat and soul-satisfying richness. Originally popularized in Korean drinking spots (pocha), this dish was created to pair with ice-cold beer or soju, delivering a spicy kick that's soothed by a blanket of bubbling mozzarella cheese.
In this buldak recipe, tender chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy-sweet mix of gochujang (fermented red chili paste), gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), garlic and ginger—staples of Korean cuisine that offer depth, warmth and just the right amount of heat. It’s then pan-seared, smothered in cheese and briefly broiled, resulting in golden and gooey Korean-style chicken.
This cheesy chicken buldak is more than just comfort food—it’s a fiery celebration of Korean street food culture, adapted for your own kitchen in under 25 minutes. Garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, this dish is perfect for sharing—but so good, you’ll want it all to yourself.
To make cheesy Korean fire chicken, coat bite-sized chicken thighs with brown sugar, Korean red pepper flakes, gochujang, ginger, soy sauce, and garlic. Cook the mixture in a skillet with a bit of water and butter until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced. Top with shredded mozzarella and broil until the cheese is melted and golden. Finish with sliced green onions and a few sesame seeds for a tasty, satisfying dish that has just the right kick!
