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Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe

Spicy Korean Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Korean Chicken brings a zesty explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement. Marinated in a bold, tangy sauce and perfectly grilled, this dish delivers a mouthwatering punch of Korean-inspired goodness straight to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang)
  • 1 tablespoon Korean red chili powder (gochugaru or regular chili powder)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Cooking Oils and Garnishes:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Optional: sesame seeds
  • Optional: chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Slice 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs horizontally into thin strips. Cut thicker pieces into 2-3 sections for even cooking.
  2. Whisk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a mixing bowl until the marinade blends smoothly.
  3. Pour the marinade over your chicken pieces. Massage thoroughly so each strip gets completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to develop deep flavor.
  4. For grilling, heat your grill to 400°F and cook chicken strips for 6-8 minutes per side until dark grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. For skillet method, heat a non-stick pan to medium-high around 375°F. Cook chicken in single-layer batches for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring golden brown exterior.
  6. For oven preparation, preheat to 400°F. Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. Switch to broil for 2-3 minutes to create crispy edges.
  7. Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra texture and color.

Notes

  • Let chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor, but don’t exceed 2 hours or the meat might become mushy.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most tender and juicy results with this spicy Korean recipe.
  • Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safe cooking without drying out the meat.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and confirm gochujang brand is gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg