Get ready for a flavor explosion that will redefine your chicken game. Korean Gochujang Chicken is a vibrant, bold dish where spicy, sweet, and savory unite in perfect harmony. Tender chicken pieces are cloaked in a glossy, addictive sauce built on the magic of gochujang—the fermented Korean chili paste that brings deep, complex umami heat. Served over a cloud of steamed rice, this isn’t just a meal; it’s a full sensory experience that’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
If you’re new to gochujang, prepare to be hooked. That first bite delivers a warming, rich flavor that’s completely unique—spicy but not harsh, sweet but not cloying, with a savory depth that keeps you reaching for more. This recipe is more than just cooking; it’s your ticket to an incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy Korean-inspired feast. Let’s make it!
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Dish
- Insanely Flavorful: The gochujang-based marinade creates a symphony of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
- Weeknight Easy: Simple steps and common ingredients come together in about 30 minutes.
- Customizable Heat: Control the spice level by easily adjusting the amount of gochujang.
- Meal-Prep Hero: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Always a Hit: This crowd-pleasing balance of flavors wins over both adventurous eaters and picky palates alike.
Your Simple Ingredient List
- Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (thighs stay juicier!).
- The Sauce/Marinade:
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): 2 tbsp—the star ingredient! Find it in the Asian aisle.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp—for salty, umami depth.
- Honey: 1 tbsp—for balancing sweetness and stickiness.
- Sesame Oil: 2 tsp—for that signature nutty aroma.
- Garlic & Ginger: 3 cloves minced garlic + 1 tsp grated fresh ginger—the essential aromatic base.
- For Cooking:
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp for sautéing.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: ½ onion + 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced.
- For Garnish: Sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How to Make It: Your Path to Flavor Town
- Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
- Sauté Veggies: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same hot pan, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Combine & Glaze: Return the veggies to the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
- Garnish & Serve: Finish with a generous sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Gochujang Chicken
- Don’t Skip the Marinate: Even 10 minutes makes a difference. For ultimate flavor, marinate for a few hours in the fridge.
- Use a Hot Pan: Get your skillet nice and hot before adding the chicken to ensure a good sear and prevent steaming.
- Slice Veggies Evenly: Cut your onions and peppers into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Garnish for the Win: The fresh green onions and crunchy sesame seeds add important texture and freshness—don’t omit them!
How to Serve It
- Classic: Pile it on a bed of steamed white rice or cauliflower rice.
- For a Lighter Meal: Serve in lettuce cups for a refreshing, crunchy wrap.
- With Traditional Sides: Pair with kimchi, quick-pickled cucumbers, or a simple side salad to cut the richness.
- The Perfect Bite: Top with a fried egg for extra decadence.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Easy Variations to Try
- Extra Spicy: Add a teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or a drizzle of chili oil.
- More Veggies: Toss in broccoli florets, carrots, or mushrooms with the peppers.
- Sweet & Tangy: Add 1 tbsp pineapple juice or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Swap: Use firm tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast? Yes! Just be careful not to overcook it, as breast meat can dry out faster than thighs.
- Where do I find gochujang? In the international/Asian aisle of most major supermarkets, or at any Asian grocery store.
- Is it very spicy? Gochujang is more about flavorful, fermented heat than intense burn. Start with the recommended amount—it’s manageable for most!
- Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! Marinate the chicken overnight. Cook fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
Korean Gochujang Chicken
| Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins |
|---|---|---|
| Yield: 4 servings | Category: Main Dish | Method: Sauté |
| Cuisine: Korean |
Description
Tender chicken coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet gochujang glaze with crisp bell peppers and onions. An incredibly flavorful, quick, and satisfying Korean-inspired weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- For garnish: Sliced green onions & sesame seeds
Instructions
- Whisk gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Toss with chicken to coat. Marinate for ≥10 mins.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sauté onion & pepper 3-4 mins. Remove.
- Cook marinated chicken in the same skillet 5-7 mins until cooked through.
- Return veggies to skillet, toss 2-3 mins until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate chicken for up to 2 hours.
- Adjust gochujang quantity to control spice level.
- Serve with steamed rice and kimchi for a complete meal.
