Description
An incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Korean spicy gochujang chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet, savory, and fiery gochujang sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressive entertaining!
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional, for extra heat)
1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces if not already.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochugaru (if using) until well combined.
Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours, for best flavor. You can even marinate overnight.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through, caramelized, and the sauce has thickened into a glossy coating. The sugar in the marinade helps create a beautiful sticky glaze.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the spicy gochujang chicken with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once cooked and reduce the sauce slightly before returning the chicken to coat. Adjust gochugaru to your desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg