Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? My Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken is a delicious way to bring some Korean flair to your table! with just the right balance of sweet and heat, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Cook Time: 15

prep Time: 10

Yields: 6

calories: 574

Simple Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken

To make the perfect Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken, you’ll just need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:

1/3 cup gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste) – This is the star ingredient that gives the dish its unique spicy-sweet flavor.
4 tablespoons sodium-reduced soy sauce – Adds a savory depth without being overly salty.
2 tablespoons sweet rice wine (mirin) – This sweetener balances the heat and gives that authentic touch.
2 tablespoons honey – For an extra layer of sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, grated – Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and taste.
1 teaspoon sesame oil – This oil enhances the overall richness (feel free to add more to taste).
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger – It rounds out the flavor with its warming spice.
1 tablespoon canola oil – Great for cooking; it has a high smoke point.
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces – chicken thighs are juicy and perfect for this dish.
1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds – For a crunchy garnish that adds texture.
3 tablespoons thinly bias-sliced green onions – Fresh and vibrant, these add color and a mild onion flavor.
6 cups cooked rice – To serve this delicious dish over!

These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a meal that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to savor.

Quick Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Gochujang Chicken

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking with these straightforward steps for a delicious Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken!

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sweet rice wine, honey, grated garlic, sesame oil, and ginger. Whisk until well blended, creating a smooth sauce that’s both sweet and spicy.

Prepare the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add half of the chicken pieces. Cook, stirring continuously, until the chicken is no longer pink, which should take about 5 minutes.

Cook Remaining Chicken: Remove the first batch of chicken and set it aside. Add the rest of the chicken to the wok, repeating the cooking process until done.

Combine and Sauce it Up: Return all the cooked chicken pieces to the wok. Give the sauce a stir and pour it over the chicken.Cook everything together for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken just before serving.

Plate it Up: Serve your sweet and spicy chicken over a generous bed of cooked rice, and enjoy the fantastic flavors!

This step-by-step guide should help you navigate the cooking process with ease, making your kitchen time enjoyable and rewarding!

Serving and Storage Tips for Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken

Once your Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken is ready, it’s time to dig in! This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways. I recommend serving it hot over a bed of freshly cooked rice to soak up that delicious sauce. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. If you have leftovers, don’t worry! They can be stored for later enjoyment.

Storage Guidelines:

Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool down before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to pack it in freezer-safe containers or bags,leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quick option, though I prefer the stovetop for better texture.

This dish is perfect for meal prepping, too! Make a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have tasty meals ready to go.

Helpful Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Gochujang Chicken

Cooking can sometimes led to unexpected challenges, but worry not! Here are some helpful notes and common troubleshooting tips for your Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken:

Tips for Success:

Adjusting Spice Level: If you’re new to gochujang and are concerned about the spice, start with a smaller amount and taste the sauce before adding more. You can always add more later!
Substituting Chicken: If you prefer a different protein, feel free to swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Thickening the Sauce: If you find the sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, try cooking it a little longer or adding a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water. This will help it cling beautifully to the chicken.

Common Issues:

Burning: If the chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Too Sweet or Spicy: If the flavor isn’t to your liking, you can balance it out with a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice for acidity.

With these tips in hand,you’re ready to master the art of this dish. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and make your cooking experience as delightful as the meal itself!