Welcome to Patricia Universe! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s packed with bold flavor but doesn’t require a culinary degree, you’ve found it. This Spicy Korean Chicken is a fantastic example of Korean easy recipes at their best. It’s my go-to when I want something exciting, comforting, and on the table fast. Forget complicated marinades—this dish uses simple ingredients to create that perfect sweet, savory, and spicy harmony that makes korean easy recipes so irresistible.
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- My Love for Easy Korean Meals
- The Secret Ingredient: Gochujang
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights
- Making It Your Own
- Serving Suggestions
- The Recipe: Spicy Korean Chicken
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
- Flavor Bomb: This dish masterfully balances sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and the unique, fermented heat of gochujang.
- Effortless & Fast: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, it’s a prime candidate for quick and easy recipes on your busiest nights.
- Versatile Protein: Works perfectly with chicken thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option. The method is also great for other proteins.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The chicken marinates beautifully, and leftovers taste even better the next day, making it ideal for easy recipes for dinner planning.
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just another stir-fry. What makes it a standout among easy Korean recipes is its brilliant simplicity and layered flavor. The marinade doubles as the sauce, so there’s no fuss with multiple steps. The gochujang provides a deep, complex spice that’s so much more interesting than just adding chili flakes. It caramelizes beautifully in the pan, creating a sticky, glossy glaze that clings to every piece of chicken. This is one of those chicken recipes easy quick enough for a Tuesday but impressive enough for casual entertaining.
My Love for Easy Korean Meals
My journey into the world of Korean cooking started with a simple bowl of bibimbap and grew from there. I fell in love with how Korean cuisine builds incredible flavor from a few key pantry staples. Dishes like this Spicy Korean Chicken, or the ever-popular Korean beef bulgogi recipe easy versions, prove that you don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to create something truly special. They’re approachable, forgiving, and always satisfying—the exact philosophy behind the recipes you’ll find here at Patricia Universe.
The Secret Ingredient: Gochujang
If there’s one ingredient that defines the soul of this dish, it’s gochujang. This fermented Korean chili paste is a magic potion of spicy, sweet, salty, and umami. Unlike other hot sauces, it has a thick, almost sticky consistency and a depth of flavor that comes from fermentation. It’s the key to that authentic Korean taste. Don’t be intimidated—a jar lasts forever in the fridge and opens the door to so many other spicy ramen noodle recipes easy Korean style dishes and marinades.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
We all have those nights. You’re tired, hungry, and the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen is daunting. This is where a reliable arsenal of easy recipes for dinner saves the day. This chicken is a champion in that category. The active cooking time is under 20 minutes, and most of that is hands-off while the chicken sizzles away. You can even prep the marinade in the morning, toss the chicken in when you get home, and have a restaurant-quality meal ready faster than delivery could arrive.
Making It Your Own
The best home cooking is adaptable. While this recipe is perfect as written, feel free to make it yours. Not a fan of too much heat? Dial back the gochujang and add a touch more honey. Want extra veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking. You could even use the same delicious sauce base for a quick spicy ramen noodle recipes easy Korean fusion bowl by tossing it with cooked noodles and a soft-boiled egg. The possibilities are endless.
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful chicken is incredibly versatile. For a classic Korean meal, serve it over a mound of steamed short-grain rice with a side of quick-pickled cucumbers (oi muchim). It’s also fantastic tucked into lettuce leaves for refreshing wraps, piled onto a baked sweet potato, or even used as a topping for a loaded fries situation. No matter how you serve it, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
The Recipe: Spicy Korean Chicken
Find the full, detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions for this fantastic dish on the recipe card below. It’s straightforward, promise!
Notes & Tips
For the best results, don’t skip the marinating time—it’s what builds the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, 15 minutes will do, but 30 minutes to an hour is ideal. Can’t find gochujang? I’ve included a simple substitution in the notes. Leftovers keep beautifully for up to 3 days and are excellent in lunchboxes.
Spicy Korean Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade & Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds until a smooth sauce forms.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated in the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, reserving any excess marinade in the bowl.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the chicken beautifully.
- Remove from heat. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes.
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