Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a dish that truly delivers a symphony of flavors. The combination of savory, sweet, and spicy creates a culinary delight that’s both comforting and exciting. If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe is a win. With its sticky sauce clinging to tender chicken thighs, you’ll find this recipe a delightful addition to your weekly meal lineup. From my experience, each bite offers a burst of flavor, making it a memorable dining experience.
Why you’ll love this dish
What sets Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken apart is its incredible balance of flavors. The gochujang brings a subtle heat, while the honey provides a sticky sweetness that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. You won’t break the bank making it either, as the ingredients are easy to source and often already in your pantry.
“This chicken has become a family favorite! The blend of sweet and spicy is perfect, and I love how easy it is to make. We enjoy it over rice for a comforting weeknight meal!” – Sarah, home cook
The cooking process explained
Creating Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a straightforward process that even novice cooks can master with ease. First, you’ll need to marinate the chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. After that, a quick sauté in a skillet gets the chicken beautifully browned and cooked. By the end, your kitchen will be filled with tantalizing aromas, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a dish bursting with flavor.
What you’ll need
- 1.5 pounds (700g) of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Feel free to make some substitutions if needed! For example, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer white meat, or use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier twist.
Directions to follow
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Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good stir until well mixed—this will be your marinade.
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Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they’re thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces, discarding any excess marinade.
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Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
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Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the chicken to a serving dish.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
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Serve the sticky honey gochujang chicken over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.
How to plate and pair
For a beautiful presentation, serve this dish on a large platter, draping the garnished chicken over fluffy white rice, or noodles tossed in a bit of sesame oil. You might also consider pairing it with steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the meal with some crunch.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your leftover chicken, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to your freezer-safe container.
When reheating, do it gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Helpful cooking tips
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Marination is Key: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer develops flavors, so don’t rush this step!
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Balance the Heat: If you like it spicier, feel free to add a bit more gochujang or even some sliced fresh chilies during cooking.
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Perfect Cooking: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cooking in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Try adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color. You could also experiment with the sauces; adding a splash of pineapple juice can introduce a sweet tropical twist.
Your questions answered
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How long does it take to prep this dish?
Typically, you’ll need about 10-15 minutes for prep. Don’t forget to account for marinating time! -
Can I substitute gochujang?
While gochujang is unique, you can use a combination of miso and a pinch of red pepper flakes as a substitute, although the flavor will differ. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) instead of regular soy sauce.
With its explosive flavors and simple preparation, Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is destined to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every sticky, sweet bite!
Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until well mixed to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure they are thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, discarding excess marinade.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve the sticky honey gochujang chicken over cooked rice or noodles.
