Korean Spicy Gochujang Chicken

If you want a bold, flavorful dinner, this Korean Spicy Gochujang Chicken is perfect. The chicken is tender and coated in a spicy sweet sauce made with gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can stir fry it in a pan or bake it in the oven.

On homeandfiesta, we focus on simple recipes that deliver flavor without complicated steps. In this guide, I’ll explain what Korean Spicy Gochujang Chicken is, how to make it, why it works, and tips to adjust it. I’ll also answer common questions that show up in Google’s related searches.

Gochujang Chicken Recipe 

What is Korean Spicy Gochujang Chicken?

Korean Spicy Gochujang Chicken is a dish made with chicken coated in a sauce that blends Korean chili paste, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. The sauce gives the chicken a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.

You can cook it in a skillet on the stove, in the oven, or even in an air fryer. Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots can be added for color and texture. The dish is often served over rice or noodles.

It’s a quick way to get Korean flavors at home without long cooking times. The chicken cooks in under 30 minutes, and the sauce is thick, glossy, and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Optional vegetables: 1 bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1/2 onion, sliced
• Garnish: sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Notes & Substitutions:

• Brown sugar or maple syrup can replace honey or sugar.
• Chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breast works too.
• Adjust gochujang for spice level. Less for mild, more for extra heat.

How to Make Korean Spicy Gochujang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sugar or honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Mix until smooth. This will be your marinade and cooking sauce.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place chicken pieces in a bowl or resealable bag.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
3. Let it marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Option A: Skillet

1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add a small amount of oil if needed.
3. Cook the chicken in a single layer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add optional vegetables during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.

Option B: Oven

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway, until chicken is cooked and sauce is slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
2. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Tips:

• Do not overcook chicken, or it becomes dry.
• Stir frequently in the pan to avoid burning the sauce.
• Adjust vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Why This Recipe Works

• Gochujang: Adds heat, sweetness, and umami in one ingredient.
• Marinating: Ensures the chicken absorbs the sauce and stays juicy.
• Quick cooking: High heat seals the chicken, keeping it tender while thickening the sauce.
• Balance of flavors: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sugar work together for a savory-sweet-spicy profile.

The combination of marination and high-heat cooking produces chicken that is both tender and coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce. The optional vegetables add texture without diluting the sauce.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

• Vegetables: Add broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas for more variety.
• Spice: Adjust gochujang or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Serving ideas: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or ramen noodles. You can also use lettuce cups for a low carb option.
• Meal prep: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Recipe FAQ,s

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast works, but it may dry out faster. Cook carefully and do not overcook.

2. How spicy is gochujang chicken?
Gochujang has a mild to medium heat. You can adjust by using less for mild or adding red pepper flakes for extra spice.

3. Can I make it in the oven instead of a pan?
Yes. Spread chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.

4. How long should I marinate the chicken?
30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge. Longer marination intensifies the flavor.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, onions, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. Add them near the end of cooking to keep them crisp.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.

Conclusion

Korean Spicy Gochujang Chicken is a quick way to enjoy bold Korean flavors at home. The chicken is tender, the sauce is sticky and flavorful, and the dish cooks in under 30 minutes. You now know what the dish is, how to make it, why it works, and how to adjust it. Try it for weeknight dinners or a spicy meal treat. Explore other Korean inspired recipes on homeandfiesta for more easy and flavorful meals.

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Korean Style Pot Roast Recipe

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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky, with tender pieces of chicken coated in a glossy homemade sauce. The blend of honey, garlic, and soy creates a perfect balance of comfort and flavor in every bite. It cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste. A simple, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers takeout-style goodness at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Marinate Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts or thighs about 3–4 pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil for searing

Honey Garlic Sauce

• ⅓ cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth

Optional Thickener

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water to mix with cornstarch

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions  

• Pat the chicken dry.
• This helps the chicken brown instead of steam. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Leave space between each piece so it sears instead of turning pale.
• Sear the chicken.
• Cook each side until golden. Don’t move the chicken too soon. Let the surface get color before flipping.
• Make the sauce.
• In a small bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Stir until the honey dissolves.
• Pour the sauce into the skillet.
• Lower the heat. Let the sauce simmer around the chicken. It should bubble gently.
• Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F.
• The sauce will reduce and thicken. If you want it thicker, stir in a small cornstarch slurry.
• Taste and adjust.
• Add more honey for sweetness, more soy sauce for salt, or a splash of broth to thin the sauce.
• Serve with the extra sauce on top.
• Rice, noodles, and steamed vegetables work well with this dish.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, tender results.
• Adjust gochujang amount to control spice level to taste.
• Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best authentic Korean flavor.
• Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
• Cook on medium-high heat to caramelize the sauce without burning.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
• Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320 kcal;
Carbohydrates: ~14 g;
Fiber: ~1 g;
Sugars: ~8 g;
Protein: ~28 g;
Fat: ~18 g;
Saturated Fat: ~4 g;
Cholesterol: ~85 mg;
Sodium: ~750 mg;
Potassium: ~600 mg;
Calcium: ~25 mg;
Iron: ~2.5 mg.

Keyword Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe