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Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe

Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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)

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