Gochujang Chicken is a flavorful way to make some chicken thighs! It's super easy to make as well, marinade it first, and then you can pan fry, air fry or grill it!
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What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean condiment that is super flavorful. It's a thick paste that is super red as it's made out of gochugaru, a type of Korean red chili pepper powder.
While it looks super red, I actually don't find it super spicy. It's more a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. If you don't like things spicy tho, for this recipe you can use less gochujang and also less gochugaru.
Ingredients for Gochujang Chicken
Here's what you need:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru (aka Korean hot pepper powder)
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Marinade Gochujang Chicken
Mix the marinade - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gochujang, gochugaru, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Coat the chicken - Add the chicken thighs and make sure each piece is well coated. You can also use a zip-top bag for easy cleanup.
Let it rest - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can start working into the chicken. For the best results, marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful the chicken becomes.
👉 Tips for success:
- Want it less spicy? Reduce the gochugaru or skip it, since gochujang already adds some heat.
- If you're short on time, even a quick 20-30 minute marinade will still add flavor.
- Don't leave the chicken in marinade for more than 24 hours - the texture can start to break down.
- For extra depth, add freshly grated garlic or ginger instead of powder.
How to Pan Fry Gochujang Chicken
In a skillet, add cooking fat/oil and cook on medium.
Add marinated chicken thighs to the skillet.
Cook for about 10 minutes, covered. I cover it because it makes a ginormous mess otherwise.
Flip the chicken thighs over, cover and cook another 10 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.
Remove from heat and serve!
How to Grill Gochujang Chicken
Preheat your grill to high heat (400°F).
Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill.
Close the lid and let it cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
Remove from grill and serve!
How to Air Fry Gochujang Chicken
Spray air fryer basket with cooking oil spray and spread chicken in the air fryer basket. Try not to stack or layer.
Set the time for 10 minutes at 400°F in air fryer. Open basket, and using tongs, flip the chicken to allow even cooking.
Air fry for another 5 minutes or until cooked thoroughly - the timing can be different depending on the size of your chicken thighs. So be sure to make sure it is cooked thoroughly before serving!
Remove from air fryer and serve!
Reheat & Storage
- Storage: Store leftover Gochujang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze it! Place cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes. You can also microwave it, but the texture is best preserved with stovetop or air fryer methods.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Just keep in mind that chicken breast cooks a bit faster and can dry out, so adjust the cooking time and check for doneness earlier.
How spicy is this recipe?
It looks very red, but it's more sweet and savory with a mild spice. If you want it less spicy, reduce the amount of gochujang and gochugaru.
Can I cook this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken the night before, then cook it when ready. You can even cook it and store it for quick meal prep during the week.
What do I serve with Gochujang Chicken?
It pairs deliciously with steamed white rice, kimchi, or simple stir-fried vegetables.
Gochujang Chicken Thighs Recipe
Gochujang Chicken is a flavorful Korean-inspired dish made with juicy chicken thighs marinated in gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices. It’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spicy — plus you can cook it three different ways: pan-fry, grill, or air fry. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru (aka Korean hot pepper powder)
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl or ziplock bag and allow it to marinade for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
To Pan Fry
- Heat a skillet over medium and add a little cooking oil.
- Place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet.
- Cover and cook for about 10 minutes (covering helps reduce splatter).
- Flip the chicken, cover again, and cook another 8–10 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
To Grill
- Preheat your grill to high heat (around 400°F).
- Place the chicken thighs directly on the hot grill.
- Close the lid and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from grill and serve immediately.
To Air Fry
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer (avoid stacking).
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Open the basket, flip the chicken with tongs, then air fry for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked through (timing may vary by size of chicken).
- Remove and serve.
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 chicken thighAmount Per Serving: Calories: 254Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 941mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 6gProtein: 28g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
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More Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes!
- This grilled teriyaki chicken thigh recipe features juicy tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce then grilled! So easy and yum!
- Or if you prefer to pan fry it, check out my teriyaki chicken thigh recipe - marinated tender chicken pan fried to perfection!
- For an easy simple recipe, check out my Pan Fried Chicken Thighs! The chicken is so juicy and tender and you can pair it with your favorite spices and sauces!
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