Sizzling Sticky Korean Chicken Thighs Recipe: A Sweet Spicy Joy

Korean cuisine brings vibrant sticky korean chicken thighs into sharp focus with this mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Passionate home cooks adore bold flavor combinations that dance across taste buds.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal bursting with tangy sweetness.

Simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen without complicated techniques.

Tender meat glazed with a rich, glossy sauce promises pure deliciousness.

Crispy edges and succulent centers make this dish irresistible for anyone seeking an exciting dinner experience.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible recipe.

Sticky Korean Chicken Thighs That Pack a Punch

• Savor Bold Korean Flavors: Gochujang and gochugaru create an incredible spicy-sweet taste explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with authentic international flair.
• Master Simple Restaurant-Style Cooking: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, uses basic kitchen techniques, and delivers professional-looking results that will impress family and friends without complicated steps.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Champion: Prepare the marinade quickly, cook in one skillet, and have a delicious dinner ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households seeking tasty, stress-free meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Option: Chicken thighs provide juicy, tender meat that absorbs marinades beautifully, ensuring a satisfying dish that appeals to both adults and kids who enjoy mild to moderate spice levels.

What You’ll Need for Sticky Korean Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for this sticky Korean dish.

• Gochujang Paste: A spicy Korean chili paste that provides deep, rich flavor and heat to the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami depth and helps create a glossy coating for the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the spice and creates a sticky, caramelized exterior.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a classic Korean flavor profile with warmth and complexity.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy note to balance the sweet and spicy elements.
• Gochugaru or Paprika: Adds additional heat and color to the marinade.

• Cooking Oil: Helps create a perfect sear and prevent sticking in the skillet.
• Sesame Seeds, Chopped Scallions: Fresh garnishes that add texture, nutty flavor, and a pop of color to the finished dish.

Easy Steps to Juicy Sticky Korean Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the vibrant ingredients to create an explosive Korean-inspired sauce. Whisk together gochujang paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and either gochugaru or paprika for that perfect spicy kick.

The mixture should look glossy and well-blended.

Step 2: Soak Chicken in Marinade

Toss the chicken thighs into the prepared marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Let the chicken sit and absorb all those incredible flavors while you prepare the cooking surface.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Perfection

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil.

Once the pan is sizzling hot, carefully place the marinated chicken thighs into the skillet. Make sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking.

The chicken should start to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Create Crispy Exterior

Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on the first side.

This helps develop a crispy, caramelized exterior that locks in all the delicious marinade flavors.

Step 5: Complete Cooking Process

Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the sticky, glazed chicken thighs to a serving plate.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped scallions. Serve alongside steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Quick Tips to Nail Korean Chicken Thighs Every Time

• Swap gochujang for sriracha or chili sauce if you can't find the original ingredient for a similar spicy kick.
• Pat chicken thighs dry before marinating to help develop a crispier exterior and better caramelization.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating, reducing total cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
• Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to deepen flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
• Line skillet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and prevent sticking, especially when cooking at high temperatures.

Flavor Swaps for Sticky Korean Chicken Thigh Fans

• Grilled Korean Chicken: Marinate chicken thighs as instructed, then grill outdoors for smoky flavors and beautiful char marks.
• Sheet Pan Korean Chicken: Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet with vegetables like bell peppers and onions, roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.
• Slow Cooker Korean Chicken: Place marinated chicken in slow cooker, cook on low for 6-7 hours until tender, then broil for 3-4 minutes for caramelization.
• Air Fryer Korean Chicken: Cook marinated chicken in air fryer at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, for crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Best Sides to Match Korean Chicken Thighs

• Pair Gochujang Heat with Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet German Riesling balances the spicy-sweet Korean chicken, cooling down the gochujang's intense heat while complementing its complex flavors.
• Serve with Cucumber Kimchi Salad: Fresh, tangy cucumber kimchi provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized chicken, adding a crisp texture and bright acidity to the meal.
• Create Jasmine Rice Companion: Soft, fragrant jasmine rice absorbs the delicious marinades and catches all the sticky, caramelized sauce, making each bite more satisfying and harmonious.
• Recommend Light Lager Beer Pairing: A crisp Korean or Japanese lager cuts through the chicken's richness, cleanses the palate, and matches perfectly with the dish's bold Korean flavors.

Keeping Your Sticky Chicken Thighs Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meat is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

All Your Sticky Chicken Thigh Questions Solved

• What is gochujang paste?

A spicy, fermented Korean chili paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, salt, and sometimes other ingredients, providing a deep, complex heat and umami flavor to dishes.

• Can I substitute gochujang if I can't find it?

Use a mix of sriracha, red miso, and a little sugar to create a similar spicy-sweet flavor profile, though the taste won’t be exactly the same as authentic gochujang.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure no pink remains and juices run clear.

Sticky Korean Chicken Thighs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 18-19 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Korean cuisine sizzles with flavor in these sticky Korean chicken thighs, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Crispy, caramelized edges mingle with a glossy sauce that promises a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) boneless chicken thighs

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru or paprika

Garnish and Oil:

• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds
• 2 scallions, green part chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and gochugaru into a vibrant, glossy marinade.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely saturated with flavor.
3. Preheat a heavy skillet to medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil, creating a sizzling surface for perfect caramelization.
4. Carefully place marinated chicken thighs in the skillet, leaving space between each piece to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
5. Allow chicken to sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, developing a rich, golden-brown crust that seals in the marinade’s complex flavors.
6. Flip chicken and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
7. Transfer chicken to a serving platter, letting it rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions, creating a visually appealing and aromatic presentation.
9. Serve immediately over steamed rice, drizzling any remaining pan juices for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Enhance marinade absorption by scoring chicken thighs before marinating, allowing deeper flavor penetration.
• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, spicy Korean-inspired profile.
• Control heat intensity by adjusting gochujang and gochugaru quantities to suit personal spice tolerance without compromising authentic taste.
• Pat chicken thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming instead of achieving crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg