Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This dish is inspired by the unique Korean chili paste, Gochujang, which pairs wonderfully with honey to create a sticky, glossy coating that clings to tender, juicy chicken. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a gathering with friends, this recipe will leave your taste buds craving more.

The combination of honey’s sweetness, Gochujang’s heat, and a hint of garlic and soy sauce makes this dish irresistible. The sticky sauce, when cooked down to perfection, creates a flavorful glaze that is absolutely mouthwatering. With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking rotation. Follow along with this guide for a foolproof recipe and tips for making the best Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The honey brings a rich sweetness, while Gochujang adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor. The balance between these two ingredients creates a harmonious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Sticky and Glazed: The sticky sauce forms a beautiful, glossy coating that gives the chicken a satisfying, sweet and spicy finish. Every bite is full of flavor and texture.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: The chicken in this dish is cooked until it’s tender, juicy, and flavorful. The sauce enhances the chicken’s natural flavors, leaving it moist and succulent.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and Gochujang, this recipe uses basic ingredients to create a sophisticated and savory dish.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. The cooking process is straightforward, requiring just a few steps for a delicious outcome.
• Versatile: You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference, add extra vegetables, or serve it with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 16-20g
• Carbohydrates: 23-26g
• Protein: 22-26g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 16-18g

Ingredients

For the Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or your choice of cooking oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water (to adjust sauce consistency, if needed)
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Special Equipment

While making Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken doesn’t require specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Large Skillet or Wok: A large skillet or wok is ideal for cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce. The high sides help prevent splattering, and the surface area allows the chicken to cook evenly.
2. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and provides the right texture.
3. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial to creating the perfect sauce. Using measuring spoons and cups will ensure you get the right balance of honey, soy sauce, and other ingredients.
4. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is perfect for stirring the chicken and sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated without scraping the pan.
5. Tongs: Tongs will help you easily flip the chicken pieces while cooking, ensuring that each side is cooked to golden perfection.
6. Bowl for Sauce Mixing: A small bowl or measuring cup is useful for combining the sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs are often juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts work just as well for a lighter option. Once cut, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly when cooking.

2. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the Gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger (if using). Stir the ingredients until they form a smooth, thick sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a little water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Set the sauce mixture aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until it is browned on one side. Use tongs to flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

4. Add Garlic and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Next, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Stir everything together, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated with the sticky, glossy sauce.

5. Simmer the Sauce

Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the sauce thicken and glaze the chicken. The honey in the sauce will begin to caramelize, creating a rich, sticky coating that clings to the chicken. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time to reach the desired consistency.

6. Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you want more heat, add an extra spoonful of Gochujang. Then if it’s too spicy, add a bit more honey to balance the heat. If the sauce is too sweet, a splash of vinegar can help balance it out. Once the sauce is just right, remove the pan from the heat.

7. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken to serving plates. For a finishing touch, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These add a nice crunch and freshness that complement the sticky, spicy sauce.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken

• Use Fresh Gochujang: For the best flavor, use a fresh jar of Gochujang, as the flavor tends to mellow over time. If you don’t have Gochujang, you can try substituting with a mix of hot sauce and a little miso paste for a similar umami flavor.
• Balance the Sweet and Spicy: The key to this recipe is getting the right balance between sweet and spicy. Adjust the honey and Gochujang to suit your personal heat tolerance and sweetness preference.
• Use Boneless, Skinless Thighs: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay moist and tender, even when cooked in a sauce. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice sear and cooks evenly.
• Add Vegetables: If you’d like to make this dish even more hearty, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds color, flavor, and nutrition to the dish.

Variations of Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken

• Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Wings: For a fun twist, use chicken wings instead of boneless pieces. The wings will absorb the sauce beautifully, and the sticky glaze will be even more irresistible.
• Spicy Gochujang Chicken with Pineapple: Add some pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist. The sweetness of the pineapple will complement the spice from the Gochujang and add a fruity element to the dish.
• Honey Gochujang Chicken with Vegetables: For a more well-rounded meal, stir-fry some vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or snap peas and add them to the chicken at the end. The sauce will coat the vegetables and add a nice balance to the dish.
• Gochujang Chicken with Noodles: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of noodles, such as udon or rice noodles, for a filling and satisfying meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. After the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Cover the pan and simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings until warm.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken

Pair this delicious dish with sides that complement its sweet, spicy, and savory flavors:

• Steamed Rice: A bowl of steamed white or brown rice works perfectly to balance the flavors of the sticky sauce. The rice absorbs the sauce and provides a neutral base for the rich chicken.
• Kimchi: Serve with a side of traditional Korean kimchi for a tangy, fermented contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick stir-fry of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or bok choy adds a healthy touch to the meal.
• Asian-Inspired Salad: A fresh cucumber and cabbage salad with a sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, sticky chicken.

Print

Conclusion

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a delicious, bold dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. With its sticky, glossy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is versatile and easy to customize. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken brings excitement to your table with minimal effort. Enjoy every bite of this irresistible, mouthwatering dish!