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- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Cooked jasmine rice (to serve) To make Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken, you need simple yet bold ingredients. The chicken thighs offer a juicy base. Gochujang gives it that spicy kick and deep flavor. Honey adds a sweet touch, balancing the heat. For the extra flavor, soy sauce adds depth, while sesame oil brings a nutty aroma. Garlic and ginger give it a fresh and vibrant taste. Rice vinegar rounds out the flavor profile with a bit of tartness. To garnish, green onions and sesame seeds add a nice crunch and color. Serve the chicken over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all those tasty juices. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish truly memorable! To start, we need to make the marinade for our Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Mix them all together until smooth. The goal is to have a thick, sticky marinade. If it seems too thick, add a bit of water or more rice vinegar. Taste it to check the balance of sweet and spicy. You want it to sing! Now, let’s marinate our chicken thighs. Place 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. I recommend marinating for 1 to 2 hours. This extra time lets the flavors soak in deep. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can help. Just know that longer marination gives you a richer taste. You can cook this chicken in two great ways: grilling or skillet cooking. Both methods work well and give you a tasty dish. - Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it's safe to eat. - Skillet Cooking: If using a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken in the skillet for the same time, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Now you are ready to slice and serve it over jasmine rice! - To achieve the perfect char, preheat your grill or skillet. A hot surface helps to sear the chicken well. - Avoid common pitfalls by not overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking. - You can add extra spices like paprika or cayenne for more heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. - If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. For more spice, increase the gochujang. Always taste as you go. - Serve with jasmine rice for a great base. Steamed broccoli or pickled vegetables also pair well. - For plating, lay the chicken strips over rice in a shallow bowl. Drizzle with any pan juices. Add green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. {{image_2}} You can switch proteins to fit your taste. Chicken breasts work well here. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. It soaks up flavors nicely. For sauces, try sriracha or teriyaki. These can add a twist to the dish. Add spices from your region for a unique touch. For instance, adding cumin gives a warm flavor. Try using smoked paprika for a deeper taste. You can also adapt this dish for dietary needs. Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option. You can bake this chicken in the oven too. Just preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish for 25-30 minutes. This will give you a crispy texture. If you own an air fryer, use it! Cook the chicken at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken moist and tasty. Both of these methods can save time and still create a great meal. To keep your Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers are ideal. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup. To reheat, I recommend using a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth for moisture. Cover the skillet to keep the chicken juicy. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave, but cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. To make this dish, start by mixing the marinade. In a bowl, add gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth. Next, add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Cover the bowl and chill it for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season it with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 6-8 minutes until fully done. Slice, serve over jasmine rice, and garnish. Serve Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken with rice for a filling meal. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. Kimchi makes a great side too, as it adds a tangy kick. Pickled carrots or cucumbers offer a nice crunch and balance the flavors. Try these sides to enhance your meal. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. This helps the flavors develop. You can also cook the chicken in advance. Just reheat it before serving. This saves time on busy days. This dish has a mild to medium heat level due to gochujang. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of gochujang. You can also add more honey to balance the heat. For extra kick, add red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice to your taste. You can find gochujang and other Korean ingredients at Asian grocery stores. Many larger supermarkets have an international aisle with these items. For online shopping, websites like Amazon or specialty food sites offer authentic products. Look for high-quality brands to ensure the best flavor. Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken is inspired by Korean fried chicken. This dish blends sweet and spicy flavors, reflecting Korea's love for bold tastes. It has gained popularity worldwide, especially in Korean BBQ restaurants. The dish showcases the balance of flavors that Korean cuisine is known for. In this post, we explored how to make Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken. We discussed the key ingredients like chicken thighs, gochujang, and honey. You learned about marinating, cooking methods, and tips for the best flavor. We covered variations and storage tips to help you enjoy leftovers. Cooking this dish is fun and rewarding. Try different spices or cooking styles to make it your own. Enjoy the process and share it with others!

Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken

Spice up your dinner with this delicious Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken recipe! Marinated in a perfect blend of gochujang, honey, and sesame oil, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can serve mouthwatering chicken over jasmine rice in no time. Ready to tantalize your taste buds?
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooked jasmine rice (to serve)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and rice vinegar. Mix thoroughly to create a marinade.

    Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1-2 hours for deeper flavor).

      Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a little oil to prevent sticking.

        Remove chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.

          Place the chicken on the grill or skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

            Once done, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.

              Slice the chicken into strips and serve over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken strips in a shallow bowl over the jasmine rice and drizzle any remaining juices from the pan over the top for added flavor. Add a side of pickled vegetables for a brilliant color contrast!