Gochujang Chicken
A delightful blend of sticky, sweet, and spicy flavors with caramelized edges, featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a rich gochujang sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces These juicy cuts of chicken are tender and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch Works wonders in creating a crispy coating on the chicken.
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil Essential for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 cups steamed white rice The perfect accompaniment to balance the spicy sauce.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste Provides a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce Adds depth and umami.
- 2 tbsp honey Creates a thick, syrupy texture.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar Brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tsp minced garlic Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1 tsp grated ginger Adds a refreshing zing that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- 2 tbsp water Helps in achieving the right consistency for the sauce.
Garnishes
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds, toasted Adds visual appeal.
- 2 whole green scallions, thinly sliced Adds a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and gather the cornstarch, salt, and other components.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and salt, ensuring they’re well coated.
Cooking
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water.
- Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat thoroughly and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is glazed and heated through.
Serving
- Serve the Gochujang Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
- Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors!
Notes
Ensure pieces are uniform in size, and avoid overcrowding the pan for perfect sear. Can use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option or tofu/seitan for a vegetarian variation.