Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken
Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with bold flavor.The chicken is coated in a rich sauce featuring Korean gochujang.Honey or brown sugar balances the spicy and savory ingredients.Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil add wonderful depth.The sauce becomes glossy and sticky as it coats the cooked chicken.Serve this delicious dish with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional
For the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
For Garnishing
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped scallions
- Thinly sliced red chili, optional
- Steamed rice
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.Season with salt and black pepper.For a slightly crisp exterior, lightly coat the chicken with cornstarch.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, water, and sesame seeds.Whisk until the sauce is smooth.
Heat the Pan
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add the cooking oil and allow it to become hot.
Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer.Avoid overcrowding the pan.Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken becomes golden.
Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked
- Continue cooking until the thickest pieces of chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Reduce the Heat
- Lower the heat to medium-low.This helps prevent the sweet sauce from burning.
Add the Gochujang Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken.Stir continuously until every piece is coated.
Adjust the Flavor
- Taste the sauce carefully.Add a little more honey for sweetness, gochujang for additional spice, or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Garnish
- Remove the skillet from the heat.Sprinkle the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Serve
- Serve the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken immediately over steamed rice.Add kimchi, cucumber salad, or vegetables on the side.
Notes
- Chicken thighs: Thighs remain particularly juicy and flavorful.
- Chicken breast: Breast meat can also be used but should not be overcooked.
- Gochujang: Different brands may vary in heat and sweetness.
- Sweetener: Honey creates a glossy sauce, while brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor.
- Cornstarch: A light coating can help create a slightly crisp texture.
- Heat: Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your preference.
- Sesame oil: Add sesame oil for its distinctive nutty aroma.
- Sauce: Cook the sauce over moderate heat because sugar can burn quickly.