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Korean Baked Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe

Korean Baked Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 22 reviews

Korean Baked Honey Gochujang Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish featuring tender chicken thighs or drumsticks marinated in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce, then baked to caramelized perfection. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, making it a delicious main course for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds of chicken thighs or drumsticks

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for the chicken.
  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth marinade.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks into a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally longer for deeper flavor.
  4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: After marinating, transfer the chicken pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to maximize flavor absorption during baking.
  5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and develops a caramelized, slightly charred appearance on the surface.
  6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C), confirming it’s safe to eat.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving to add texture and a fresh, nutty flavor.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • You can adjust the amount of gochujang based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use skin-on chicken for a crispier texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Serve with steamed rice or fresh vegetables to balance the spicy-sweet flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean chicken, gochujang chicken, baked chicken, honey chicken, spicy chicken, Korean recipe, easy dinner