Honey Gochujang Chicken

$To make Honey Gochujang Chicken, gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon minced garlic - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a sweet and spicy blend that makes this dish shine. The chicken thighs give a juicy bite, while the gochujang adds heat. Honey balances the spice with its sweetness. Adding garnishes can enhance the dish's look and flavor. Here are some great options: - 2 green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds Green onions add a fresh crunch. Sesame seeds give a nice nutty flavor. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes! You can make this recipe your own with these substitutions: - Chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option - Maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness - Tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version These swaps can change the taste but keep the dish delicious. Enjoy experimenting with flavors you love! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix these ingredients well until they blend together. This marinade gives the chicken its spicy and sweet flavor. You’ll want it to coat the chicken nicely. Next, take your chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Shake off any extra marinade before grilling. Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a nice char. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Then slice the chicken into strips. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy your Honey Gochujang Chicken! To make your Honey Gochujang Chicken burst with flavor, marinate it well. After mixing the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, coat the chicken thighs evenly. Use a resealable bag or dish, and make sure all pieces are covered. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but two hours is even better. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors will soak in. Grilling is key to achieving that smoky taste. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. This helps avoid flare-ups while cooking. Grill each thigh for 6-7 minutes on both sides. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step helps keep the juices inside. If you cut it too soon, the juices leak out, making the chicken dry. When ready to slice, use a sharp knife. Cut against the grain for tender strips. This technique makes each bite more enjoyable and easy to chew. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours instead of the minimum 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat better. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Grill Marks Matter: For beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the chicken too much while cooking. Let it sear for the suggested time before flipping. Resting is Key: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. {{image_2}} You can make Honey Gochujang Chicken even better by adding veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. These veggies add color and crunch. Just chop them up and toss them in the marinade with the chicken. Grill everything together for a tasty one-pan meal. The veggies soak up the flavors and make each bite more exciting. If you love wings, this recipe is for you. Use chicken wings instead of thighs. Follow the same marinade steps. Then, grill or bake the wings until crispy. These wings will have a sweet and spicy kick. Perfect for game day or a fun dinner. Serve them with a side of celery and some ranch dressing for balance. You can still enjoy the flavors of this dish without chicken. Use tofu or tempeh as a substitute. Press the tofu to remove water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate the tofu just like the chicken. Grill or sauté it until golden brown. You can also use seitan for a meatier texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious taste of Honey Gochujang! To keep your Honey Gochujang Chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and air out. Make sure the chicken cools before storing. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing. Reheat leftovers in a microwave or on the stove. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for one to two minutes. On the stove, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cook for about five minutes, flipping halfway. For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Honey Gochujang Chicken can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Gochujang is a thick Korean chili paste. It mixes heat, sweetness, and umami. Made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, it brings depth to many dishes. You can find it in most grocery stores or online. It adds a special kick to Honey Gochujang Chicken. Yes, you can use other cuts. Chicken breasts or drumsticks work well too. Just adjust the cooking time. Breasts may cook faster, while drumsticks can take longer. Always check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C) for safety. Honey Gochujang Chicken has a mild to medium spice level. The sweetness from honey balances the heat from gochujang. If you want more heat, add extra gochujang to the marinade. If you prefer less spice, use less gochujang. Serve Honey Gochujang Chicken with rice or noodles. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pairs well too. You can also try it in a wrap with crunchy veggies. These sides will enhance the meal and create a lovely balance. In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients for Honey Gochujang Chicken, including main ingredients and optional garnishes. We outlined step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling the chicken to perfection. We also shared tips for flavor, cooking, and how to store leftovers. Lastly, we explored exciting variations and answered common questions. Keep these ideas in mind as you enjoy making this dish. With practice, you will create meals that delight your taste buds and impress others.$

A flavorful and spicy chicken dish marinated in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 pieces green onions, chopped (for garnish)
to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create the marinade.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they are nicely charred.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top before serving.

Notes

For more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword chicken, gochujang, grilled