Description
This Spicy Gochujang Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful gochujang-based sauce and baked to crispy perfection. Ideal for those who love bold Korean-inspired flavors with a simple, straightforward cooking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs – bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger – grated
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 green onions – sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine gochujang paste, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to create a harmonious marinade that balances heat and sweetness.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the prepared marinade over them ensuring each piece is well coated, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor penetration.
- Reserve marinade for glazing: Before sealing the bag or covering the dish, remove about a tablespoon of the marinade into a small bowl to use later as a glaze during baking.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Bake the chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, shaking off excess, place them skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the skin turns crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Glaze the chicken: Approximately 5 minutes before the baking time is complete, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken thighs to intensify flavor and create a shiny, sticky coating.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for freshness and crunch before serving.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken drumsticks or breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
- If you don’t have sesame oil, a neutral oil like vegetable oil can be used, though the sesame flavor will be missing.
