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Korean Gochujang Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 110 reviews

This Korean Gochujang Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces marinated in a spicy, slightly sweet gochujang sauce and stir-fried with fresh vegetables. It’s a quick and flavorful one-skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners, delivering authentic Korean flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Garnishes

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir well to coat evenly. Let the mixture marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.
  2. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing the pan for cooking.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still slightly crisp. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Using the same skillet, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
  5. Add Vegetables Back: Return the sautéed onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine the ingredients uniformly.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors from the vegetables and sauce, creating a harmonious dish.
  7. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the finished dish to add color, texture, and extra flavor.
  8. Serve: Plate the Korean Gochujang Chicken while hot. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinating for longer than 10 minutes, up to 2 hours, enhances the depth of flavor.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier results; chicken breasts will be leaner.
  • Adjust gochujang quantity for preferred spice level.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • This dish pairs excellently with steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.

Keywords: Korean chicken, Gochujang chicken, spicy chicken stir-fry, Korean chili paste recipe, easy Korean dinner, stir-fried chicken