Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken
Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken: Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Addictive
Craving bold, spicy, and flavorful chicken with a sticky-sweet glaze? This Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken is a must-try recipe that packs a punch with Korean chili paste, garlic, soy sauce, and honey—all coating tender bites of juicy chicken.
Whether you’re a fan of Korean food or just love dishes with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, this gochujang chicken is guaranteed to become a new favorite. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and tastes better than takeout!
Let’s dig into why this dish is so loved, how to make it step by step, and pro tips for a restaurant-quality finish right at home.
Why Everyone Loves Gochujang Chicken
This dish hits all the right notes for flavor, texture, and heat.
Sweet, Spicy, and Savory – The gochujang sauce is bold, flavorful, and addictively good.
Tender Bites of Chicken – Juicy, golden chicken pieces soak up every drop of sauce.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with just a few ingredients.
Customizable Spice Level – Adjust the heat to your liking.
Great with Rice or Noodles – A perfect weeknight meal or meal-prep favorite.
With all this flavor in one pan, it’s no surprise that Gochujang Chicken is a crowd-pleaser worldwide.
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt.
It’s spicy, slightly sweet, and packed with umami—the perfect base for a rich, flavorful sauce. Available in most grocery stores or Asian markets, and it keeps for months in the fridge.
How to Make Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken
This one-pan wonder brings Korean-inspired flavor to your table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
For garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
- Toss to coat evenly—this gives it a crisp, golden crust when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Gochujang Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
- Add gochujang, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and water.
- Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine & Finish
- Return chicken to the pan, tossing to coat each piece in sauce.
- Simmer for 1-2 more minutes until chicken is glazed and sauce is sticky.
5. Garnish & Serve!
- Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or with lettuce wraps.
Pro Tips for the Best Gochujang Chicken
Adjust spice level – Add more honey or sugar for milder heat, or extra gochujang for more kick.
Use thighs for juicier bites – Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful.
Pair with rice – The sticky sauce is perfect with steamed white or jasmine rice.
Add veggies – Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete dish.
Make ahead – This dish reheats well for lunch or dinner the next day.
With these tips, your gochujang chicken will rival any takeout meal!
What to Serve with Gochujang Chicken
This bold and flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with:
Steamed Rice or Fried Rice – Soaks up the sticky, spicy sauce.
Kimchi or Pickled Veggies – Adds crunch and tang to balance the heat.
Lettuce Wraps – Wrap chicken in crisp lettuce with rice and sauce.
Noodles or Ramen – Serve over garlic noodles or stir-fried noodles.
Why This Dish is Great for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this easy Korean-inspired dish hits the spot.
- Quick Weeknight Meal – On the table in under 30 minutes.
- Date Night Favorite – Impress with bold flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Meal Prep Win – Make ahead and enjoy all week.
- Takeout Craving Fix – All the flavor, none of the delivery wait.
No matter when you serve it, this sticky, spicy chicken is always a hit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for bold flavor, a hint of heat, and a sticky-sweet glaze, this Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken is the perfect recipe.
With simple ingredients, fast prep, and delicious results, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
So grab your gochujang and skillet—it’s time to spice up your dinner routine with a taste of Korea!
Enjoy! 
