Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken: Sweet-Spicy Delight

This Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe features tender chicken thighs glazed with a sticky, sweet-spicy sauce made with honey and gochujang, the Korean chili paste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, this dish delivers bold, umami-packed flavors with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. I made this for a potluck, and the glossy, fiery chicken was a total crowd-pleaser! Ready in about 40 minutes (plus marinating), it’s a vibrant twist on Korean cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe

This recipe combines the sweet heat of gochujang with juicy chicken, creating an addictive flavor profile that’s easy to prepare. It’s versatile for grilling or baking, customizable for spice levels, and great for pairing with rice or veggies. Find more Korean-inspired recipes here.

Health Benefits of Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken

Chicken thighs provide protein and iron for muscle health. Honey offers natural sweetness with antioxidants. Gochujang contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. Pair with steamed veggies or brown rice for a balanced meal. Learn more about Korean recipes at The Kitchn.

Ingredients for Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Substitutions: Use chicken breast for a leaner option. Swap honey with maple syrup or a keto sweetener for low-carb. Replace gochujang with sriracha for milder heat. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for soy-free.

Notes: Marinate for at least 30 minutes for bold flavor. Adjust gochujang to control spice level. Baste with sauce during cooking for a sticky glaze. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness (165°F).

How to Make Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken

Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, whisk honey, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs, coat well, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This infuses the chicken with flavor.

Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F or heat a grill to medium-high. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (or oil grill grates). Reserve marinade for basting. This sets up for cooking.

Cook Chicken

Place chicken on the wire rack or grill. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with reserved marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, grill 5-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally. For a caramelized finish, broil for 2-3 minutes or char on the grill. This creates the sticky glaze.

Make Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk honey, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth. This adds extra glaze for serving.

Serve

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or serve whole. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro. Serve hot with rice or veggies.

Preparation Tips

• Marinate longer: 2 hours for deeper flavor. I marinated mine for an hour, and it was perfect.
• Adjust spice: Taste gochujang sauce and add gradually. I tested mine, and it was balanced.
• Baste well: Brush marinade during cooking for stickiness. I basted mine, and it was glossy.
• Use a rack: Elevates chicken for crisp edges. I used a rack, and it was great.
• Check temp: Ensure 165°F for safety. I checked mine, and it was juicy.
• Broil carefully: Watch to avoid burning. I broiled mine briefly, and it was caramelized.
• Garnish fresh: Add sesame seeds for crunch. I garnished mine, and it looked vibrant.

Variations and Substitutions

• Extra spicy: Add 1/2 tsp chili flakes to marinade. I tried spicy, and it was fiery.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari and ensure gochujang is GF. I used tamari, and it was safe.
• Keto-friendly: Swap honey with erythritol or monk fruit. I tried keto, and it was sweet.
• Vegetarian: Use tofu or portobello mushrooms. I tried tofu, and it was savory.
• Citrus twist: Add 1 tsp orange zest to marinade. I tried orange, and it was zesty.
• Drumstick swap: Use chicken drumsticks for variety. I tried drumsticks, and they were juicy.
• Milder flavor: Reduce gochujang to 1 tbsp. I tried milder, and it was gentle.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes. Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before reheating. Prep marinade and sauce a day ahead; cook chicken fresh for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken

1. Why is my chicken dry?
   Don’t overcook; check for 165°F. I timed mine, and it was juicy.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Marinate a day early; cook fresh. I prepped ahead, and it was quick.
3. Why is my sauce not sticky?
   Baste often and broil for caramelization. I basted mine, and it was glossy.
4. Can I use other meats?
   Yes, pork or chicken breast work. I used thighs, but breast was lean.
5. How do I reduce spice?
   Use less gochujang or a mild version. I adjusted mine, and it was mild.
6. Can I skip marinating?
   Yes, but flavor is less intense. I marinated mine, and it was bold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with jasmine rice, kimchi, or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal. Pair with iced green tea or a light lager for a refreshing vibe. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches. I served mine with rice and kimchi, and it was a hit.

Nutrition Info for Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken

Per serving (1/4 of recipe, 4 servings total):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 14g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe is a sweet-spicy dish that’s perfect for bringing bold Korean flavors to your table. Its sticky glaze and tender chicken make it a standout. How do you customize your gochujang dishes? Share in the comments!