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Sticky Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs

Sticky Korean gochujang chicken thighs with green onions and sesame seeds.
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This recipe delivers restaurant-quality sweet, spicy, and savory Korean chicken thighs with minimal fuss. The magic is in the gochujang paste, which creates a deep, complex flavor and a sticky glaze. It's a one-pan wonder perfect for a quick and exciting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until completely smooth.
  2. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with a pinch of black pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken. Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  4. Simmer in sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the chicken, turning to coat. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Finish and serve. Remove pan from heat. Drizzle with sesame oil. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a less spicy version, use half the gochujang. No gochujang? Mix 2 tbsp sriracha with 1 tbsp miso paste as a substitute. Ensure the chicken is patted dry for a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Reduce heat after adding the sauce to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/sticky-korean-gochujang-chicken-thighs/