Spicy Korean Chicken

$- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste) - 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil The chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. They stay juicy and tender when cooked. The gochujang and gochugaru bring heat and depth. Soy sauce adds salt and umami, while honey gives a sweet touch. Garlic and ginger add great flavor, and sesame oil gives a nice finish. - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds - Suggestions for side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables Using green onions and sesame seeds as garnishes makes the dish pop. They add color and crunch. You can also serve it with kimchi or pickled veggies for extra taste and texture. These sides balance the heat and make your meal complete. For the full recipe, check the instructions to create this spicy delight! To make the marinade, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, a 1-inch piece of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix all these ingredients well until they form a smooth paste. This marinade gives the chicken its spicy and sweet flavor. Take 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, you can marinate it overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavor it gets. You can choose between grilling or pan-searing the chicken. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor, while pan-searing offers a great crust. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If you use a skillet, add a splash of oil to avoid sticking. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step keeps the chicken juicy. Serve it over jasmine rice for a delicious meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To make your Spicy Korean Chicken taste amazing, marination is key. Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you can, marinate overnight. This lets the flavors really sink in. For spice levels, start with the recipe’s amounts. If you want it spicier, add more gochujang or gochugaru. If you prefer less heat, reduce these ingredients. Taste as you go; adjust the flavors to suit your liking! To achieve a nice char, preheat your grill or skillet. This step is crucial! For grilling, oil the grill grates lightly. For skillet cooking, add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side. Look for a golden brown color. An air fryer also works well. Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. Check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve your spicy chicken over cooked jasmine rice for a delicious meal. You can add sides like pickled vegetables or kimchi for extra flavor and crunch. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the chicken on top of the rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and makes the dish look gourmet. If you want, serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty creation! {{image_2}} You can make this recipe fit your needs. If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. It gives similar flavor. If you prefer different proteins, swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or try tofu. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. It absorbs the marinade well and cooks nicely. Want it milder? Use less gochujang and gochugaru. You can also add some sugar to balance the heat. For more spice, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili. Adjust the heat to suit your taste. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away! Serve the spicy chicken in a wrap or salad for fun. You can use lettuce leaves for wraps. Add fresh veggies like cucumbers or carrots for crunch. For a bowl, layer the chicken over rice and top with seasonal veggies. This adds color and freshness to your meal. Enjoy this recipe with its many variations! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. After you finish your spicy Korean chicken, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, remember to keep it sealed. This way, it won't soak up other fridge smells. To freeze portions for future meals, start with the cooled chicken. Cut it into smaller pieces for easy use. Place it in a freezer bag or container. Squeeze out the air before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, keep the chicken moist and flavorful. You can use the microwave, but it may dry out. Instead, try a skillet or oven. For a skillet, add a bit of water or broth, cover it, and heat on low. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the chicken stay juicy. Enjoy your meal again with that same great taste! If you need a substitute for gochujang, you can use sriracha or chili paste. These options bring some heat, but they change the flavor a bit. You can mix in a little sugar to mimic the sweetness of gochujang. Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, chicken thighs are juicier and more tender. Breasts can dry out faster when cooked. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time closely. You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, aim for 2 to 4 hours. If you have time, an overnight marinate works wonders for taste. Some great side dishes are: - Kimchi: A spicy, fermented cabbage dish. - Pickled vegetables: These add a nice crunch. - Steamed broccoli: For a fresh veggie option. These sides balance the heat of the chicken. Serve the chicken on a large plate over jasmine rice. Slice the chicken into strips for easy eating. Add green onions and sesame seeds for color. This makes the dish look great and taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this article, we explored how to create Spicy Korean Chicken from scratch. You learned about key ingredients, how to prepare the marinade, and different cooking methods. Tips for flavor and serving options made the dish even better. Don't forget variations to meet your preferences. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh for later enjoyment. With these steps and ideas, you can make a savory and satisfying meal anytime. Now, it’s time to fire up your kitchen and enjoy this delicious dish!$

Savor the bold flavors of Spicy Korean Chicken with this mouthwatering recipe! Perfectly marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and served with fluffy jasmine rice, making for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Whether for a weeknight dinner or gathering with friends, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with taste. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Korea to your kitchen!

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooked jasmine rice (to serve)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Mix well to create a marinade.

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a splash of oil to prevent sticking.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Grill or pan-sear the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and a nice char develops. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Serve the spicy chicken over a bed of jasmine rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the dish on a large plate with the chicken arranged on top of the rice. Add extra green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color.