The Best Gochujang Chicken Recipe: Easy 5-Minute Prep

Introduction

Craving a flavorful and quick weeknight meal? Look no further than this gochujang chicken recipe! Inspired by Korean cuisine, this dish delivers a delightful balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a simple recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• You can easily customize the spice level to your preference.
• The recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients.
• Gochujang chicken is fantastic for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious gochujang chicken. This recipe features a vibrant marinade that infuses the chicken with authentic Korean flavors.

• 2 tablespoons gochujang, which is a fermented Korean chili paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar
• 2 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• Neutral cooking oil

Notes and Substitutions

• Gochujang brands vary in heat; start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or bell peppers.
• Try tofu or shrimp as protein alternatives for a vegetarian option.

Equipment

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to prepare this tasty gochujang chicken recipe.

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Optional: Rice cooker for serving

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create amazing gochujang chicken at home.

1. In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and caster sugar. Whisk together until well combined and set aside this flavorful sauce.
2. Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces; about 1-inch chunks work well.
3. Heat a thin layer of neutral cooking oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers, ensuring it’s hot enough for proper searing.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook without moving the chicken for about 5 minutes, or until well browned on one side. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
5. Turn the chicken pieces and reduce the heat slightly to medium. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the other side to brown slightly.
6. Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the chicken in the pan. Add any quick-cooking vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or broccoli florets, if desired.
7. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce as it thickens. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
8. If the sauce thickens too quickly and becomes too sticky, add a splash of water to extend the cooking time and achieve the desired consistency.
9. Check that the chicken is cooked through by cutting into a piece. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Serve the recipe hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!

To ensure the chicken is safely cooked, it should reach a specific internal temperature. The USDA provides detailed guidelines on safe cooking temperatures.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches to ensure proper browning.
• Adjust the sauce consistency with a little water or broth if it gets too thick.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger while cooking.
• Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to fully penetrate.
• Overcooking the chicken will result in dry, tough meat.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Serve this delicious recipe over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s also fantastic in bowls with various toppings.

• Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

Variations

• Make this recipe a stir-fry with a variety of colorful vegetables.
• Create gochujang chicken and rice bowls with kimchi, a fried egg, and sesame seeds.
• Try Spicy Gochujang Chicken Noodles for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This gochujang chicken recipe is your ticket to a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With its simple ingredients and customizable spice level, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Don’t hesitate, try this recipe and let us know what you think by leaving a rating and comment below! Share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this easy dish.

Gochujang Chicken

This quick and flavorful gochujang chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and can be served over rice or noodles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian, Korean

Servings 2 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Large frying pan

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar
• 2 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• neutral cooking oil a thin film

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a small bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and caster sugar; whisk together.
• Slice the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
• Heat a thin film of neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 5 minutes until well browned on one side.
• Turn the chicken pieces, reduce heat slightly, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, adding quick-cooking vegetables if desired.
• Continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the chicken as the sauce thickens.
• If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of water to extend cooking time.
• Check that the chicken is cooked through by cutting into a piece, then serve hot over sushi rice or hokkien noodles.

Notes

To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, add a splash of water as needed. This dish is excellent served with sushi rice or hokkien noodles.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 42gFat: 18gSodium: 1100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12g

Keyword Gochujang chicken, Gochujang chicken recipe, Honey gochujang chicken, Korean chicken recipe

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!