Name: Gochujang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup (60 g) gochujang paste; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed), plus extra for greasing; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 tsp sesame seeds

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Introduction

Gochujang Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a spicy, sweet, and tangy Korean chili paste marinade. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with an exciting punch of flavor.

A bowl filled with several pieces of dark reddish-brown glazed chicken, each piece showing a caramelized, slightly charred texture with a sticky shine. The chicken is topped with thin, bright green slices of scallion and sprinkled lightly with white sesame seeds. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface with a black cloth underneath. The overall look is rich, bold, and savory with a contrast of dark and bright colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup (60 g) gochujang paste
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed)
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Flavor Base. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness by adding more gochujang or honey if desired.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep Your Cooking Method. For broiling, place a rack 6 inches from the heat and preheat on high. Lightly grease a wire rack set on a baking sheet with neutral oil. For grilling, heat grill to medium-high and oil the grates well.
Step 4: Cook to Caramelized Perfection. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and reserve the marinade. Arrange chicken on the prepared rack or grill and cook 6–7 minutes until well-colored, then flip and cook 5–6 more minutes. Brush the top with reserved marinade and cook an additional 2–3 minutes until glaze is bubbly and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest and Garnish. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Meanwhile, bring reserved marinade to a boil for 2 minutes to serve as extra sauce. Slice chicken if desired, then sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal instead of gas.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the gochujang by half and add a splash more honey.
Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Leftover cooked chicken can be sliced and used in wraps or salads.

Storage

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep it moist. The reserved boiled marinade can be stored separately for dipping or glazing.

How to Serve

A close-up view of several pieces of grilled meat, richly coated in a dark red, sticky sauce with a slightly charred texture. The meat is piled in a shallow white bowl, and bright green thinly sliced scallions are sprinkled on top, adding fresh color and a slight curly texture. Small white sesame seeds are scattered over the meat, enhancing the visual detail. The bowl rests on a white marbled textured surface, giving a clean and simple background that contrasts with the deep colors of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs remain juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, watch cooking time closely to avoid drying out.

Is gochujang very spicy?

Gochujang has a moderate heat with a sweet and savory flavor. You can adjust the spice level in the recipe by adding more or less gochujang according to your preference.