The Juicy Gochujang Chicken Recipe That Packs a Flavor Punch

Succulent chicken takes on a bold twist with this gochujang chicken recipe that promises explosive flavor in every bite.

Korean chili paste adds a vibrant kick to tender, juicy meat that will make your taste buds dance.

The marinade blends spicy, sweet, and savory notes into a mouthwatering combination.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of heat and depth that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when comfort meets culinary excitement.

Prepare to impress your dinner companions with this irresistible Korean-inspired chicken that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Gochujang Chicken Spicy Flavor Perks

• Gochujang chicken delivers a mouthwatering punch of spicy-sweet Korean-inspired taste that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, allowing anyone to create restaurant-quality dishes without complex techniques.
• Adjust gochujang quantity to control spice level, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and ensuring everyone from mild-loving to heat-seeking diners can enjoy this delicious chicken.
• Prep and cooking take minimal time, making this recipe ideal for busy families seeking a delectable dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste or excitement.

Ingredients to Bring Out Gochujang Chicken Flavor

• Chicken: Boneless and skinless meat cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating.

• Gochujang, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Honey: Combination creates a bold, sweet, and spicy Korean-style sauce with complex flavor profile.

• Cornstarch, Vegetable Oil: Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior when frying chicken, while oil provides the medium for achieving golden-brown color.

• Onions, Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Onions add depth to the sauce, green onions provide fresh flavor, and sesame seeds contribute nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Tools for Gochujang Chicken in Your Kitchen

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining chicken and cornstarch.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing sauce ingredients.
• Large pan: Essential for frying chicken and creating the sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken pieces.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting chicken into 1.5-inch pieces.
• Tongs: Useful for turning and handling chicken while frying.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and coating chicken.

Step-by-Step Directions for Gochujang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Slice the chicken into bite-sized chunks that will cook evenly and quickly.

Transfer the pieces to a spacious mixing bowl where you’ll season and prepare them for cooking.

Step 2: Create Spicy Marinade

Whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a separate container.

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined, creating a vibrant and flavorful coating.

Step 3: Dust Chicken with Coating

Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken pieces.

Gently toss and massage the chicken, ensuring each piece gets an even, light dusting that will help create a crispy exterior when fried.

Step 4: Sizzle and Crisp Chicken

Pour oil into a large skillet and heat until it shimmers.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, allowing each side to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Cook until the exterior becomes wonderfully crisp and the inside is fully cooked.

Step 5: Build Delicious Sauce

Sauté chopped onions in the same pan until they become translucent and fragrant.

Pour in the prepared marinade, letting it simmer and thicken into a rich, glossy sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 6: Combine and Garnish

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the hot sauce, ensuring each piece is generously covered.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a burst of color and additional flavor.

Pro Tips for Tender, Zesty Chicken Every Time

• Dust chicken with cornstarch for an extra crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and creates a perfect golden-brown texture.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve crispy chicken without burning, ensuring even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
• Simmer sauce until it reaches a glossy, slightly thickened state that clings perfectly to the chicken pieces.
• Toast sesame seeds briefly before garnishing to enhance their nutty aroma and add depth to the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Modify gochujang quantity to control heat intensity, allowing the recipe to suit different taste preferences.

Gochujang Chicken Ideas to Switch It Up

• Veggie Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinating and frying technique for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cornstarch and tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Chicken Version: Skip cornstarch coating and use almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: Instead of frying, bake chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, achieving a crispy texture with less oil.

How to Plate Gochujang Chicken Like a Pro

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this spicy gochujang chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce and create a complete meal.
• Korean-Inspired Platter: Arrange chicken on a large platter with pickled cucumber slices, kimchi, and steamed edamame for a vibrant and authentic side spread.
• Wrap and Roll: Stuff the crispy chicken into soft flour tortillas or lettuce wraps with quick-pickled vegetables for a fun handheld dinner option.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cool chicken completely and store in airtight containers with rice and vegetables for easy lunch portions that stay crispy and flavorful.

Smart Storage for Gochujang Chicken Leftovers

• Transfer leftover gochujang chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken's crispy texture and flavor intact.
• Wrap cooled chicken tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place in a sealed freezer bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for future enjoyment.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What is gochujang and why is it important in this recipe?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste that adds deep, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It’s the key ingredient that gives this chicken its distinctive tangy and rich taste.

• Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while breasts are leaner. Just ensure the chicken is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang used. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the quantity of gochujang. For a milder version, start with less and add more to taste.

Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy gochujang chicken delivers Korean-inspired zest with minimal prep time. Fiery sauce and succulent meat combine for a simple yet memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) skinless boneless chicken thighs or breast
• 1/2 onion, diced

Coating and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (40 grams) cornstarch or potato starch
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil or neutral oil

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) regular soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) white granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Gochujang
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch or potato starch
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

Garnish:

• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized chunks, ensuring consistent cooking and optimal texture.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and other sauce components in a compact mixing vessel.
3. Thoroughly dust chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring each morsel is completely and evenly covered for a crisp exterior.
4. Warm cooking oil in a spacious skillet to medium-high temperature, around 375°F, preparing for chicken searing.
5. Carefully place chicken fragments into hot oil, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
6. Sauté chopped onions in the same pan until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
7. Pour prepared sauce into the skillet, reducing heat and allowing mixture to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
8. Gently fold crispy chicken into the glossy sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
9. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with finely sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and crispy texture.
• Pat chicken dry before adding cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Adjust gochujang quantity based on spice tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm cornstarch is gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 688 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg