The Best Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Crafting this sweet and spicy Korean chicken dish promises a culinary adventure that will awaken your taste buds.

Vibrant flavors dance across your palate with each succulent bite.

Authentic Korean seasonings blend harmoniously, creating a symphony of heat and sweetness.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that sparks conversation.

Crispy exterior and tender meat guarantee a memorable dining experience.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering journey of flavor and excitement!

What Goes Into Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken

• Chicken Thighs and Chicken Breast: Tender meat cuts that provide a rich, juicy base for the spicy Korean-inspired sauce.

• Gochujang: A spicy Korean chili paste that adds deep, complex heat and vibrant red color.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor and helps balance the overall taste profile.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that complements the spicy elements of the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy brightness to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, aromatic undertone characteristic of Korean cuisine.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that add sharp, pungent notes and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste.
• Cornstarch, Water: Create a smooth slurry that thickens the sauce and gives it a glossy finish.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking and achieving a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Cilantro: Fresh herbs and seeds that provide color, texture, and a burst of final flavor to the dish.

Simple Steps For Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken

Step 1: Slice and Season Chicken

Cut chicken thighs and breast into uniform bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Craft Spicy Marinade

• Gochujang
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Whisk ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Enhance Sauce With Aromatics

Finely mince fresh garlic and ginger. Fold these aromatic ingredients into the marinade, distributing evenly to boost flavor complexity.

Step 4: Marinate Chicken

Pour marinade over chicken pieces, massaging to ensure complete coverage. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 5: Prepare Thickening Agent

Mix cornstarch with water, whisking until completely smooth without any lumps. This slurry will help create a glossy sauce coating.

Step 6: Heat Cooking Surface

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Heat over medium-high until oil shimmers and feels hot.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Carefully place marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without overcrowding, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 8: Check Doneness

Stir chicken occasionally, cooking for 6-8 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 9: Create Glossy Sauce

Pour cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Stir quickly to transform the cooking liquid into a thick, clingy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.

Step 10: Garnish and Finish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Step 11: Serve Deliciously

Place chicken over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Enjoy the spicy, tangy, and utterly delectable meal immediately.

Tips That Help With Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken

• Slice Chicken Smartly: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.
• Boost Marinade Depth: Let chicken sit in marinade for 15-20 minutes to allow gochujang and soy sauce to penetrate deeply, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat and create single-layer chicken arrangement to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization without steaming meat.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to create smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats chicken without lumps.
• Quick Serving Strategy: Garnish with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro immediately before serving to maintain vibrant colors and add textural contrast.

Tasty Options For Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken

• Vegetarian Gochujang Tofu: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, following the same marinating and cooking techniques for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Swap traditional soy sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to decrease salt content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use chicken thighs exclusively, replace honey with sugar-free sweetener, and serve over cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, high-protein meal.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Substitute soy sauce with tamari, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards for sensitive individuals.

What To Serve With Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Korean Rice Wine: Enjoy a chilled glass of makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine with a slightly sweet, tangy profile that perfectly complements the spicy-sweet gochujang chicken.
• Enhance with Cucumber Kimchi Side: Serve a refreshing cucumber kimchi as a side dish, its cool, crunchy texture and mild fermented heat balance the rich, spicy flavors of the marinated chicken.
• Complement with Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a light, aromatic jasmine green tea to cleanse the palate and provide a delicate, floral counterpoint to the bold gochujang marinade.
• Match with Pickled Daikon Radish: Add pickled daikon radish on the side, offering a crisp, slightly acidic element that cuts through the chicken's richness and adds textural contrast.

How To Save Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken For Later

• Store leftover gochujang chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Seal cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for maximum 2 months without compromising taste quality.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, stirring gently to restore crispy exterior and prevent burning, adding extra sauce if needed for moisture.

Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken FAQ Guide

• Why use gochujang in this recipe?

Gochujang provides a unique spicy-sweet Korean chili paste flavor that creates depth and complex heat, transforming ordinary chicken into an exciting dish with authentic Korean taste profile.

• Can I substitute gochujang if I can't find it?

Yes, you can use sriracha or sambal oelek mixed with a bit of miso paste and honey to mimic gochujang’s complex flavor, though the taste won’t be exactly the same.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, ensuring food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meat texture.

Why Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken Is A Must-Try

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: Korean-inspired gochujang chicken delivers intense taste in minimal preparation time, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals.
• Master Foolproof Cooking Technique: Simple skillet method guarantees perfectly caramelized chicken with golden-brown exterior and juicy interior, making even novice chefs look like culinary professionals.
• Create Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe works wonderfully with multiple protein options like tofu or shrimp, and pairs beautifully with different grain or vegetable sides for customizable dining experiences.
• Enjoy Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Balanced sweet-spicy marinade appeals to diverse palates, making this dish an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Sweet And Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Korean chicken brings a fiery dance of flavors that ignites taste buds with bold spice and sweet harmony. Crispy, glazed perfection awaits you in this irresistible dish that promises a culinary adventure straight from Seoul’s vibrant street food scene.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 0.5 lb chicken breast

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup gochujang (korean red pepper paste)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Aromatics and Garnishes:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp ginger
• 2 green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by trimming excess fat and cutting both chicken thighs and breast into bite-sized uniform pieces, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, glossy marinade.
3. Mince garlic and ginger finely, then incorporate into the sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution of aromatic flavors.
4. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with the prepared sauce, allowing them to marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to absorb maximum flavor.
5. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth and lump-free.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering and nearly smoking.
7. Add marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan, arranging in a single layer to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
8. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until exterior develops a deep golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Pour cornstarch slurry into the skillet, stirring quickly to create a glossy, thick sauce that clings to the chicken.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
11. Serve immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete, tantalizing meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor penetration, ideally 2-4 hours in refrigerator for maximum taste infusion.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing gochujang amount, perfect for heat-sensitive palates or spice enthusiasts.
• Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for celiac or gluten-intolerant individuals, maintaining authentic Korean flavor profile.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, ensuring similar marinating and cooking techniques for optimal texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg