Sweet and Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken (air fried or baked)

Introduction

Craving bold flavors with a fiery kick? This Sweet and Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken brings tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, sticky sauce made from Korea’s favorite chili paste—gochujang. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami!

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Gochujang Sauce:

2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sesame oil
1–2 tbsp water, to thin if needed

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch for a light crisp. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the sauce

While chicken cooks, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and water in a small bowl.

Step 4: Simmer and coat

Reduce heat to medium. Pour sauce over chicken, tossing to coat. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened and glossy.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve hot!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4)

Calories: 280 kcal
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 15g
Protein: 28g

Healthier Alternatives

Use chicken breast for leaner option
Replace honey and sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener
Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Add to lettuce wraps with cucumber and kimchi
Pair with stir-fried vegetables or pickled radish

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too much gochujang: Start with 1 tbsp if you’re spice-sensitive
Overcooking chicken: Leads to dryness—watch the heat
Skipping cornstarch: Helps create better sauce adhesion

Storing Tips

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container
Reheat gently in a pan or microwave
Not ideal for freezing due to sauce texture

Conclusion

This Sweet and Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken is a fiery flavor bomb that’s as addictive as it is easy to make. Bold, sticky, and satisfyingly savory.

Try it tonight and tell us your spice level! Subscribe for more global flavor-packed recipes.