Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sticky, saucy, and slightly spicy chicken that’s packed with bold flavors. This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, making it an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

The magic of this dish lies in gochujang, a Korean fermented chili paste that delivers a deep, slightly smoky spice with a touch of sweetness. When combined with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, it creates a rich, sticky glaze that beautifully coats the chicken, resulting in a dish that’s finger-licking good.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a fun dinner idea for guests, or just something to satisfy your craving for a sweet and spicy dish, this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken will not disappoint. Serve it over a bowl of steaming rice or with some crunchy vegetables for a meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of gochujang, honey, and garlic creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or even inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Great for Meal Prep: The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

How to Make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and helps the sauce coat every piece perfectly. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then toss it with cornstarch to create a light coating. This step helps achieve a crispier texture when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes without stirring to develop a golden crust. Then, stir and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and lightly crispy, about 7-8 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Next, add the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The honey will help create that sticky consistency that clings to the chicken.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a fresh contrast.

Helpful Tips

• Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts, especially when cooked in a sauce.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of gochujang slightly or add more honey to balance the heat.
• Crispier Chicken: For an extra crispy texture, lightly pan-fry the chicken until golden brown before tossing it in the sauce.
• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice, double the sauce ingredients.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Notes

• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to maintain its texture.
• For a vegetarian version, try using crispy tofu instead of chicken.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! While thighs provide a juicier result, chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breast meat can dry out faster.

What can I substitute for gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, try mixing 1 tablespoon of sriracha with 1 teaspoon of miso paste or ketchup for a similar balance of spice and sweetness.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate heat level, but you can adjust the spice by using less gochujang or adding more honey for sweetness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in the fridge and reheat in a pan over low heat.

What should I serve with this dish?

It pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean-inspired meal.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without garnishes) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken, you might also love:

• Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

• Honey Garlic Chicken – A Sweet and Savory Delight

• Skillet Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

Conclusion

This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, flavorful dishes with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. With its easy preparation and irresistible taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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