Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade & Sauce
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Garnish & Serving
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a deeply flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place the pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for the best flavor infusion, marinate for 2-4 hours.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot, preparing it for optimal searing of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through with a caramelized, slightly charred exterior. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the sweet and spicy gochujang chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor, texture, and vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Marinating for 2-4 hours enhances flavor and tenderness but a minimum of 30 minutes works well if short on time.
- Use skinless chicken thighs for juiciness; chicken breasts can be substituted but may be less tender.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Serve with steamed white or brown rice, or enjoy wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean