Description
Quick & Easy Gochujang Chicken is a flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. The chicken is crispy on the outside from a cornstarch coating and stir-fried with a savory sauce made of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame, delivering a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This recipe is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or when craving bold flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- ½ onion, diced
- ⅓ cup cornstarch or potato starch
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar or cane sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch or tapioca starch
- 1 cup cold or room temperature water
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, sugar (or honey), gochujang, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil, starch, and water until smooth. Set aside to allow starch to dissolve and flavors to meld.
- Coat the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and coat evenly with the cornstarch or potato starch. This will help create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and slightly soft.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the onions. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir continuously. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with chopped green onion and optional sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your choice of sides.
Notes
- Use potato starch or tapioca starch as alternatives for a crispier texture.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your desired spice level.
- Honey can be used instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Make sure the sauce is cooked until thick to properly coat the chicken.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
Keywords: Gochujang chicken, Korean chicken recipe, spicy chicken, quick dinner, stir-fry chicken