Name: Gochujang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Breast (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces; 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce; 1/3 cup Honey; 2 Tablespoons Gochujang Paste (or more to taste); 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce; 2 teaspoons Rice Vinegar; 2 Garlic Cloves, minced; 3 Tablespoons Oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended); 2 Green Onions, sliced; Sesame Seeds; Rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe·4 from 83 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, the Gochujang Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious sauce made from spicy gochujang paste, honey, and a blend of savory seasonings. Every bite offers a harmonious dance of heat and sweetness, perfectly balanced to make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a vibrant Asian-inspired meal, this Gochujang Chicken Recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with several bright orange-red pieces of chicken covered in a shiny, thick sauce that has small bits of green and brown herbs or spices mixed in. A pair of light wooden chopsticks rested across the top of the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes this recipe so approachable and exciting to make. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting that iconic flavor and satisfying texture that defines this dish.

Chicken Breast or Thighs (1 1/2 lbs.): Choose whichever cut you prefer; thighs add extra juiciness while breasts offer a leaner option.
Cornstarch (2 Tablespoons): This light coating helps crisp the chicken beautifully during cooking for a delightful texture contrast.
Baking Soda (1/4 teaspoon): A small pinch of baking soda tenderizes the chicken perfectly without altering the flavor.
Soy Sauce (3 Tablespoons total): Adds umami depth; one tablespoon to marinate, two to enrich the sauce’s savory base.
Honey (1/3 cup): Balances the heat with natural sweetness and creates a glossy finish on the sauce.
Gochujang Paste (2 Tablespoons): This Korean chili paste is the star of the dish, delivering spicy complexity and a rich red hue.
Rice Vinegar (2 teaspoons): Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the sauce’s flavor profile.
Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and subtle pungency.
Oil (3 Tablespoons): Essential for crisping the chicken and sautéing the sauce evenly.
Green Onions (2, sliced): A fresh, mild crunch to finish and add color.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted, these bring a nutty accent and appealing texture as a garnish.
Rice: The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce when serving.

How to Make Gochujang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-size pieces so every morsel is perfectly coated and easy to enjoy. Toss the chicken with cornstarch, baking soda, and one tablespoon of soy sauce in a spacious bowl. This combination tenderizes the meat and creates a silky surface that crisps up when cooked. Let this rest for at least 10 minutes – a crucial step that builds the foundation for juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Mix the Signature Sauce

While the chicken marinates, whisk together honey, the remaining soy sauce, gochujang paste, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of the Gochujang Chicken Recipe, balancing heat and sweetness with a little zing. Setting it aside allows all the flavors to meld beautifully before hitting the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add oil, letting it become shimmering hot. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 3 minutes, turning halfway through, until the exterior is golden and the chicken is cooked through. You want just the right amount of crispness enveloping that tender meat inside.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then pour your prepared sauce over the chicken in the pan. Stir thoroughly to coat each piece with that luscious, fiery glaze. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes while the sauce thickens and clings irresistibly to the chicken, turning the dish into a perfect harmony of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Just before plating, sprinkle the chicken with freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for pops of color and a touch of nuttiness. Serve the Gochujang Chicken hot over a fluffy bed of rice to absorb every drop of the vibrant sauce. This final step ties the whole dish together, making it truly irresistible.

How to Serve Gochujang Chicken Recipe

This dish shows many shiny, orange-brown pieces of cooked meat in a dark brown sauce with small bits of green and white, likely chopped herbs and onion, floating around. The meat pieces are irregularly shaped with a slightly glossy and moist texture, each coated with thick sauce that pools at the bottom. The background is a black, rough-textured pan surface that contrasts with the rich colors of the meat and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds is classic for a reason – they add freshness, crunch, and visual appeal that elevate the dish instantly. Feel free to add a few fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

The rich and spicy notes of this Gochujang Chicken Recipe pair beautifully with simple steamed white or brown rice. For added texture and color, serve alongside a crunchy cucumber salad or lightly pickled radishes. Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas also complement the bold flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Take it up a notch by serving the chicken in lettuce wraps for a fun, finger-food experience. You can also offer it over a bowl of noodles or use it as a flavorful filling for tacos or burritos paired with slaw and creamy sauces. This dish’s versatility makes it a party pleaser in any form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Gochujang Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and meld even more after resting, making the next-day meal just as satisfying as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps rejuvenate the sauce and keeps the chicken tender. Microwaving works too, but the skillet method produces better texture.

FAQs

What is gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with a deep, spicy, slightly sweet flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a mix of chili paste and a bit of miso or soy sauce for some umami, but the authentic taste is best achieved with real gochujang.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and a richer flavor to this Gochujang Chicken Recipe. Both cuts work well, so choose according to your preference.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the amount of gochujang paste you use. The recipe calls for two tablespoons, which provides a moderate kick. Add more if you like your food spicier or reduce for a milder dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this dish stores wonderfully and tastes great reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, as regular soy sauce often contains wheat.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Gochujang Chicken Recipe that keeps me coming back again and again. The balance of heat, sweet, and savory flavors combined with tender chicken and a luscious sauce creates a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and exciting. I encourage you to try this recipe soon – it’s a fantastic way to bring bold, delicious flavors into your kitchen with ease. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a favorite in your dinner rotation!