Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken

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Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken: Sweet, Spicy, & Sticky Goodness

This Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish featuring crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet, spicy, and umami-rich Korean gochujang sauce. It’s the perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and caramelized goodness, making it a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple to make at home!

Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps for a satisfying and delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Bold Korean Flavors – Spicy, sweet, and savory with a deep umami kick.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Crispy & Saucy – Lightly coated chicken with a sticky, glossy gochujang glaze.
✔ Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to your preference.
✔ Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients, no additives, and super satisfying.

Ingredients

To make crispy gochujang chicken, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (for a light crispy coating)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for pan-frying)

For the Gochujang Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • ¼ cup water

For Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

How to Make Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken

Step 1: Coat & Cook the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
  4. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Gochujang Sauce

  1. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water.
  3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

  1. Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and toss until fully coated in the sticky gochujang sauce.
  2. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the chicken is glossy and caramelized.
  3. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serving Suggestions

🍚 With Steamed Rice – A classic pairing that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
🥬 In Lettuce Wraps – A fresh, low-carb option.
🍜 With Noodles – Toss with udon or ramen for a hearty meal.
🥗 Over a Salad – Drizzle extra sauce over fresh greens for a spicy kick.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
  • Freeze: Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken delivers spicy, sweet, and savory Korean flavors in a simple, one-pan dish. With crispy chicken, a sticky gochujang glaze, and the perfect umami balance, it’s a meal that’s both bold and comforting.

Try this recipe tonight and enjoy homemade Korean-inspired deliciousness in minutes!

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