Name: Easy 30-Minute Spicy Korean Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breast, boneless & skinless; 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Spicy Korean Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of Korean cuisine to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Marinated in a rich combination of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, and aromatic spices, this dish offers the perfect balance of heat and umami. Whether served with steamed rice or fresh vegetables, this easy recipe is ideal for weeknight meals or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Bold and Spicy Flavor – Features authentic Korean flavors with a satisfying kick.
Minimal Ingredients – Uses simple yet powerful pantry staples to create a delicious marinade.
Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or a side of fresh vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well for leftovers, making it great for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

chicken thighs or chicken breast
gochujang (Korean chili paste)
soy sauce
honey or brown sugar
garlic, minced
ginger, grated
sesame oil
rice vinegar
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
vegetable oil
green onions, chopped (for garnish)
sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade – In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Cook the Chicken – Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and caramelized.
Garnish and Serve – Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or fresh vegetables.

Variations

Mild Version – Reduce the gochujang or replace it with mild Korean soybean paste (doenjang) for a less spicy version.
Extra Crunchy – Coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking for a crispier texture.
Grilled Option – Instead of pan-frying, grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.
Vegetarian Alternative – Substitute chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based option.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

This dish has a moderate level of spice due to gochujang, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breast works well, though it may be slightly less juicy than thighs.

What can I serve with spicy Korean chicken?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, kimchi, or a simple cucumber salad complement this dish beautifully.

Is there a substitute for gochujang?

If you can’t find gochujang, you can use a mix of red chili paste and a little soy sauce, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor and cook it fresh when needed.

What oil is best for cooking this chicken?

A neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil works best for frying.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How can I make this dish sweeter?

Increase the honey or brown sugar slightly for a sweeter balance to the spice.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Soy sauce contains gluten, but you can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

This Easy 30-Minute Spicy Korean Chicken recipe is a perfect way to bring bold Korean flavors to your home without spending hours in the kitchen. With its simple preparation, rich umami depth, and fiery kick, this dish is bound to become a weeknight favorite. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad, this quick and easy recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home!

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