Name: Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492071H5M27S
Total time: PT-492071H5M27S
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 6 boneless chicken thighs, skin on; 2 cloves garlic, grated with microplane; 3 stalks green onions, white and green parts separated; 2 tablespoons gochujang paste; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is a deliciously sweet and spicy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful marinade featuring gochujang and honey, then cooked until perfectly caramelized. Serve it with rice for a satisfying meal.

A black plate holds eight pieces of grilled chicken glazed with a shiny dark reddish-brown sauce, some pieces charred lightly on the edges. One piece is sliced to show the white tender meat inside. The chicken is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and garnished with fresh green onion slices scattered on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a small jar of dark red sauce, a silver fork on a black and white striped cloth, and a small black bowl filled with sesame seeds around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 boneless chicken thighs, skin on
2 cloves garlic, grated with microplane
3 stalks green onions, white and green parts separated
2 tablespoons gochujang paste
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: If needed, debone the chicken thighs using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
Step 2: Grate the garlic with a microplane and thinly slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate.
Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together gochujang paste, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated garlic. Add the white parts of the green onions and stir.
Step 4: Place the chicken in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes for best flavor.
Step 5: To cook in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (200°C). Arrange chicken in a single layer and cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
Step 6: To cook in an oven, preheat to 425°F (200°C). Lay chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for the last 3 minutes to brown the skin.
Step 7: Serve the chicken with fresh rice and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken longer, even overnight, for deeper flavor.
Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness to your taste.
Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or wings if preferred.
For extra crunch, broil the chicken a bit longer but watch closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer to preserve the crispy skin and avoid drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows four pieces of grilled chicken with a shiny reddish-brown glaze, placed in a row on top of a bed of white rice. The chicken skin looks slightly charred and sticky, with small black and white sesame seeds sprinkled over it and small green onion slices adding a touch of color. On the left side, there are six slices of fresh cucumber arranged neatly along the edge of the white bowl. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and are more forgiving during cooking, so adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.

What is gochujang and where can I find it?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that adds sweet, spicy, and savory notes. It is available at most Asian grocery stores or online specialty retailers.