Description:
This spicy Korean Gochujang chicken is marinated in a bold and flavorful mixture of Korean chili paste, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Grilled or baked to juicy perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with rice or veggies. A simple yet delicious dish that taps into the current trend of Korean cuisine.

Servings:

This recipe serves 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb)
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Steamed or grilled vegetables, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade:
    In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
  2. Marinate the chicken:
    Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
  3. Cook the chicken:
    • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and charred around the edges (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
    • Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
  4. Garnish and serve:
    Slice the chicken and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with rice and steamed or grilled vegetables on the side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – without rice or veggies)

  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Notes:

  • Customize the heat: If you want less heat, reduce the amount of gochujang, or add more honey to balance out the spice.
  • Substitute chicken breasts: For a leaner version, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but be sure to adjust cooking time as they may dry out faster.
  • Serve with banchan (Korean side dishes): Enhance the experience by serving this dish with classic Korean side dishes like kimchi or pickled radishes.

This Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken is a bold and trendy dish that will appeal to those searching for popular and flavorful meals. Its Korean roots make it perfect for tapping into the ongoing cultural fascination with Korean food.