Description
Gochujang Glazed Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a bold, spicy, sweet, and savory Korean chili paste glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients, this flavorful dish is perfect for an exciting and easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on)
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined. This glaze forms the flavorful base for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour half of the glaze over them. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to infuse the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down if using skin-on. Cook until the skin is crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze and Finish: Reduce heat to medium, brush the remaining glaze generously onto the chicken thighs, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step creates a sticky, caramelized coating that enhances the flavor.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for crispy texture and added flavor.
- Do not skip marinating; even 15 minutes improves flavor absorption.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang or add sweetness to control the heat level.
- Cook over medium heat to prevent burning the sugars in the glaze and maintain juiciness.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Gochujang, Korean chicken, spicy chicken thighs, glazed chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meal, sweet and spicy chicken, Korean cuisine
