Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe for Family Dinner Adventures

Culinary adventures with spicy korean chicken always spark excitement in my kitchen.

Unexpected flavors emerge when combining traditional techniques and bold ingredients.

Bold peppers and tender meat create a perfect harmony of taste.

Marinating transforms ordinary protein into something extraordinary and memorable.

Intense seasonings promise a meal that keeps you craving more.

Sauces infused with gochujang bring authentic Korean depth to every bite.

Prepare to experience a dish that connects global cuisines with passion and zest.

Cooking Spicy Korean Chicken at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the chicken soak up these flavors for 15 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 2: Whip Up the Spicy Sauce

• Gochujang paste
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Water

Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and spread evenly.

Toss in the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Ensure the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.

Step 4: Glaze with Flavor

Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the seared chicken.

Toss and coat the chicken thoroughly.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and clings to the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top.

Add extra chili slices for heat lovers.

Serve piping hot over steamed rice, soft noodles, or crisp lettuce wraps.

Tips for Getting the Right Heat Balance

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours to intensify the flavor and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust gochujang quantity to make the dish milder or more intense based on your heat tolerance.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Ensure high heat when cooking chicken to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior without drying out the meat.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chicken can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals or packed lunches.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising taste.

Store and Reheat Spicy Chicken Without Drying

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce, stirring gently to prevent drying and maintain juiciness.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery texture.
• Seal cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags, storing up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Dishes Match Spicy Korean Chicken

• Serve chilled makgeolli (Korean rice wine) to balance the spicy chicken's heat, providing a smooth, slightly sweet counterpoint that refreshes the palate.
• Prepare a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of salt to offer a crisp, cooling side that cuts through the chicken's intense spiciness.
• Choose short-grain Korean rice as the perfect base, which absorbs the sauce's rich flavors and provides a neutral backdrop to the spicy, tangy chicken.
• Sprinkle finely chopped green onions on top to add a sharp, fresh note that brightens the dish and introduces a subtle herbal complexity.

Korean Chicken Variations Worth Trying

• Vegetarian Korean Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cubed, for a plant-based protein alternative that absorbs the spicy-sweet sauce perfectly.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap rice or noodles with roasted cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the authentic Korean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure gochujang is certified gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mild Family-Friendly Adaptation: Reduce gochujang quantity and replace with tomato paste for a less spicy version that kids and heat-sensitive individuals can enjoy.

Common Questions About Spicy Korean Chicken

• What is gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste with a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. You can substitute with sriracha or chili garlic sauce, but the taste will be slightly different.

• How spicy is this Korean chicken recipe?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang used. For milder heat, use less chili paste or choose a less spicy variety. For extra heat, add more gochujang or include fresh chili slices.

• Do I need special equipment to make this dish?

No special equipment is needed. A large skillet or wok, mixing bowls, and basic kitchen utensils are sufficient to prepare this Korean chicken recipe.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.

What Makes Spicy Korean Chicken So Tasty

• Gochujang sauce delivers a mouthwatering punch of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Serve over rice, stuff in lettuce wraps, or toss with noodles- this recipe adapts seamlessly to different preferences and meal styles.
• Simple marinating and one-pan technique makes this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring success with minimal cooking expertise.

Ingredients That Power Spicy Korean Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the dish, best with boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for even cooking.

• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, choose low-sodium soy sauce for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend for enhancing chicken's natural taste.

• Gochujang: Korean red chili paste that provides spicy and sweet complexity, authentic Korean brands recommended.
• Honey: Balances spiciness and helps create sticky glaze, local raw honey works best.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to cut through rich flavors.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide traditional Korean flavor profile.
• Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Chili Slices: Fresh toppings that add texture, color, and extra kick of heat.

• Steamed Rice, Noodles, Lettuce Wraps: Base options for serving the spicy Korean chicken.

Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Korean chicken dances with fiery gochujang and tangy marinade, promising a flavor explosion of Seoul’s street-food magic. Quick weeknight dinners never looked so bold, offering you a simple path to culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (700 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Garnish and Finishing:

• 1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce if needed)
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Thinly sliced red chili (optional for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in a fragrant blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor depth.
2. Allow the chicken to absorb marinade for 15 minutes to 2 hours, developing rich taste profiles.
3. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water.
4. Warm a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high heat, adding a touch of oil to prevent sticking.
5. Introduce marinated chicken to the heated surface, allowing it to caramelize and cook thoroughly for 5-7 minutes, stirring intermittently.
6. Carefully drench the perfectly cooked chicken with prepared sauce, ensuring each piece gets an even, glossy coating.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, clingy glaze.
8. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, and optional chili slices.
9. Present the spicy Korean chicken atop steamed rice, delicate noodles, or crisp lettuce wraps for a versatile meal experience.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for intensified flavor, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste absorption.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing gochujang amount, catering to personal heat tolerance.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
• Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative that maintains the recipe’s sweet-spicy balance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg