If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, tender chicken, and that perfect sticky glaze, the Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This Korean-inspired delight marries the sweet richness of honey with the vibrant, spicy kick of gochujang, creating a sauce so addictive you’ll want to scoop every last bit from your plate. Juicy chicken thighs soak up this luscious glaze beautifully, making it a quick weeknight winner or a show-stopping meal for friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Each one brings a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that elevates this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe to pure deliciousness.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The perfect cut for juicy, tender chicken that stays flavorful under the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for sautéing without overpowering the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, pungent punch that balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Provides a zesty warmth that brightens up the sauce.
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste): The star ingredient that injects spicy, umami goodness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, creating that irresistible sticky finish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory depth and helps build complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness and spice.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and richness.
- 1/4 cup water: Thins the sauce just enough for perfect coating.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: This slurry thickens the sauce to that luscious sticky texture.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a toasty crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Freshens the dish with a mild oniony bite and lively color.
How to Make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Start by heating the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them cook undisturbed for a minute or two to develop a beautiful golden crust, then stir occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re lightly browned and mostly cooked through. This initial sear locks in the juices and builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Sauce Base
Remove the chicken from the pan and lower the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for just 30 seconds until your kitchen fills with their inviting aroma. This step is crucial to unlocking their full flavors without letting them burn.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Next, stir in the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Mixing these ingredients now allows their flavors to meld together, creating the signature sauce that defines this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, bringing out the rich sweetness and spicy tang.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet and let it soak in the sauce for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step ensures every bite is coated with the vibrant, sticky glaze and that the chicken reaches full tenderness and flavor.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce to Glossy Perfection
Finally, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken beautifully, becoming glossy and perfectly sticky—exactly what you want for this dish! Then remove from heat and get ready to plate.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions adds both delightful texture and a pop of color. These garnishes bring a nutty crunch and a fresh herbal note that brighten every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or soft noodles, perfect for soaking up every bit of that incredible sauce. For a balanced meal, toss in some steamed broccoli or crisp snap peas to add freshness and a vibrant crunch that complements the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. You can also drizzle a little extra honey or a squeeze of lime on top before serving to add an exciting flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays flavorful and juicy for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this chicken freezes well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and retain the sauce’s shine and stickiness. You can also microwave it covered, but stovetop reheating keeps the chicken juicier and the sauce perfect.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful with this recipe. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.
How spicy is the Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe?
The heat level largely depends on the amount of gochujang you use. You can adjust it to your liking—start with less if you prefer milder flavors and add more for extra kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version. The sauce and method remain beautifully intact.
What’s the best way to add vegetables to this dish?
Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers tossed in at the end add great texture and nutrition without overshadowing the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe is a must-try if you love bold, vibrant flavors and crave a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to share with guests. Dive into this sweet and spicy delight and watch it become one of your own go-to favorites—you’re going to love every sticky, saucy bite!
Print
Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Description
A flavorful and sticky honey gochujang chicken dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken thighs cooked in a spicy-sweet Korean chili paste sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, and a rich honey glaze, this quick stovetop meal is garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken thighs and cook for 5–7 minutes, until they are lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water into the skillet with the aromatics. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat it in the sauce. Continue cooking for another 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and well coated with the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the sticky honey gochujang chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your preferred heat level.
- Chicken breasts can be used as an alternative, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side to complete the meal with vegetables.
- Leftovers store well and reheat nicely for next-day lunches.
