Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs Recipe For Flavor Lovers

Crispy, juicy gochujang chicken thighs bring a fiery Korean-inspired kick to your dinner table.

Spicy marinades always spark excitement in home kitchens.

Tender meat absorbs rich, complex flavors that dance across taste buds.

Bold red pepper paste infuses each bite with incredible depth.

Marinating transforms simple chicken into something spectacular and memorable.

Succulent thighs promise a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.

Venture into this culinary experience and discover a new favorite that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why Juicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs Are Worth Trying

• Savor Spicy Flavor Explosion: Gochujang marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a thrilling taste adventure with bold Korean-inspired spices that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Versatile recipe appeals to both spice lovers and those who enjoy mild heat, making it an ideal option for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by modifying gochujang quantity, swap chicken thighs with breasts, or serve with different side dishes to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Breakdown for Juicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent and flavorful cut of chicken that absorbs marinades beautifully.

• Gochujang: Spicy Korean red chili paste that provides a bold and complex flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Adds depth and tanginess to the marinade.
• Honey: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• Sesame Oil: Brings a rich, nutty essence to the dish.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that add intense, zesty flavor to the marinade.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh, crunchy texture.
• Lemon or Lime Slices: Provides a bright, citrusy freshness to cut through the rich flavors.

How to Cook Juicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Gochujang paste
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a vibrant red marinade bursting with Korean-inspired flavors.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Goodness

Place chicken thighs in a large container or ziplock bag. Pour marinade over chicken, massaging to ensure every inch gets coated. Seal and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 3: Fire Up the Oven

Crank oven temperature to 425°F. Position rack in middle section for even heating and perfect crispy results.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Surface

Line baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Optional: Place wire rack on top for enhanced air circulation and crispier skin.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Arrange thighs on prepared baking surface. Slide into preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes until internal temperature hits 165°F and skin turns golden brown.

Step 6: Add Final Flavor Boost

During last 5 minutes of cooking, brush reserved marinade over chicken. This creates a glossy, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture.

Step 7: Rest and Settle

Pull chicken from oven and let rest 5-7 minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains succulent.

Step 8: Dress and Serve

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Accompany with fresh citrus wedges for bright, tangy contrast. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Chef Tips for Juicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs

• Lock in Moisture: Marinate chicken thighs overnight to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tender meat.
• Prevent Burning: Cover chicken with foil during initial baking to protect from excessive browning while maintaining juiciness.
• Boost Crispiness: Use a wire rack while baking to allow hot air circulation, creating perfectly crisp chicken skin.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust gochujang quantity based on personal heat tolerance, balancing flavor and spiciness.
• Serve Smart: Pair with cooling side dishes like cucumber salad or steamed rice to complement the spicy chicken.

Bold Flavor Spins on Gochujang Chicken Thighs

• Tofu Gochujang Delight: Swap chicken thighs with firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before marinating to create a vegetarian version packed with spicy Korean flavors.
• Grilled Spicy Chicken Alternative: Transform the recipe by grilling chicken thighs instead of baking, creating a smoky char while maintaining the gochujang marinade's intense taste.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener like erythritol to keep the marinade keto-friendly while maintaining the recipe's signature spicy-sweet profile.
• Air Fryer Quick Hack: Cook chicken thighs in an air fryer at 380°F for 15-18 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior with reduced cooking time and minimal oil.

Perfect Matches for Juicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs

• Pair with Crisp Rice: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or Korean short-grain rice to soak up the delicious gochujang marinade and balance the spicy, sweet flavors.
• Create a Cool Cucumber Side: Whip up a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy chicken.
• Match with Bright Korean Beer: Select a light Korean lager like Cass or Hite to complement the gochujang's heat and cut through the chicken's richness, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Pour Fruity White Wine: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that can stand up to the bold gochujang flavors while offering a crisp, fruity counterpoint to the spicy chicken.

How to Save Leftover Gochujang Chicken Thighs

• Store cooled chicken thighs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label bags with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out. Add splash of water to retain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning.

Juicy Gochujang Chicken Thighs: FAQ Guide

• Why use gochujang in this recipe?

Gochujang adds a unique sweet, spicy, and savory flavor that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting Korean-inspired dish. Its complex taste comes from fermented chili peppers, creating depth and richness.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While possible, chicken thighs are recommended because they’re more tender, juicy, and flavorful. Breasts tend to dry out faster and might not absorb marinade as well as thighs.

• How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the gochujang brand, but generally, it’s a mild to medium heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less gochujang or choose a mild variety. You can always adjust to your preference.

Gochujang Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30-35 minutes (or overnight if marinating)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken Thighs bring fiery flavors straight from Seoul’s street kitchens, blending sweet-hot chili paste with tender, juicy meat. Crispy edges and bold marinade promise an unforgettable dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Marinade Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Lemon or lime slices

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until silky smooth.
2. Submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Activate oven to 425°F, positioning rack in middle position for uniform heat distribution.
4. Strategically line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Optional: place wire rack for optimal air circulation and crispier exterior.
5. Extract chicken from marinade, preserving excess liquid. Arrange pieces on prepared baking surface, maintaining spacing between thighs.
6. Roast chicken for 30-35 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F. Skin should transform into golden, crispy perfection.
7. During final 5 minutes, generously brush reserved marinade over chicken, intensifying flavor profile and maintaining moisture.
8. Remove from oven, allowing 5-minute resting period to redistribute succulent juices.
9. Elevate presentation by scattering sesame seeds and delicate green onion slices. Accompany with citrus wedges for bright, tangy complement.

Notes

• Swap gochujang for milder chili paste if you prefer less heat, ensuring the dish remains flavorful without overwhelming spiciness.
• Experiment with bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, keeping cooking times consistent for tender, juicy results.
• Prep marinade ahead and freeze with chicken for convenient meal planning, allowing flavors to develop more intensely.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg