If you love bold, sweet, and spicy flavors with a satisfyingly sticky glaze, you’re in for a treat with this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe. Combining tender chicken pieces with the fiery kick of gochujang and the natural sweetness of honey, this dish is a delightful dance of textures and tastes. Whether you choose air frying for quick crispness or baking for a less hands-on approach, the result is irresistibly juicy chicken coated in a luscious, shiny sauce that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. From the spicy depth of gochujang to the delicate aromatic boost of fresh ginger and garlic, every item on the list is here for a very tasty reason.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Perfectly tender and juicy when cooked, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory umami and begins the flavor layering when coating the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy exterior when air fried or baked, helping the sauce cling tightly.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Essential for air frying or baking to promote a golden, slightly crispy finish.
- 2 tablespoons gochujang: The star ingredient providing that wonderful spicy depth and fermented richness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (extra): Boosts the sauce’s saltiness and depth for the perfect balance.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that instantly reminds you of Korean cuisine.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the gochujang beautifully.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Sprinkled on top for both a lovely look and an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Begin by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch in a bowl. This step is crucial because the soy sauce imparts a savory base flavor, while the cornstarch helps develop that wonderful, slightly crispy coating once cooked, and ensures the sauce sticks beautifully later.
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
If you’re air frying, preheat your machine to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking, then arrange the chicken in a single layer to allow that crispy exterior to form properly. Air fry for about 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until your chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken pieces on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with oil to encourage browning, and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Turn the pieces once midway for even crisping. Both methods yield juicy chicken, the choice here depends on how hands-on you want to be!
Step 3: Make the Sticky Honey Gochujang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine the gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, extra soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. This process deepens the flavors and creates that irresistible sticky glaze that this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe is known for.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked and crispy, immediately toss it in the warm sauce. This ensures each piece is coated in that luscious, spicy-sweet glaze. Don’t be shy—use all the sauce for maximum flavor and stickiness!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped green onions generously over the top. These little touches add crunch, color, and a fresh brightness that elevates the dish visually and in taste.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and green onions are the classic choices here, providing both texture and a pop of color. Adding a few thinly sliced fresh chili peppers can also amp up the heat and visual appeal. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a fresh, zesty note that brightens the whole dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice to soak up the sticky sauce or fluffy quinoa for a bit of wholesome grain goodness. For veggies, lightly sautéed bok choy or roasted broccoli add a lovely balance of flavors and textures. Pickled cucumbers also offer a crisp, tangy contrast that’s refreshing alongside the rich and sticky chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Serve the chicken over a bed of sticky rice noodles garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for an Asian-inspired bowl. Or pile it on lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld chicken wrap experience. These playful presentations keep this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe exciting and versatile every time you make it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate until reheating can help keep the chicken’s crispness longer, but tossing them together works well too since the sauce stays sticky and flavorsome.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely for up to 1 month. To freeze, cool the cooked chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the chicken from getting soggy—this way, you preserve the delicious texture and that amazing sticky glaze.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, chicken breasts will also work well if you cut them into small, uniform pieces and watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out.
How spicy is the Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken?
The heat level depends on the amount of gochujang you use. The recipe balances heat with honey, making it pleasantly spicy but not overwhelming. Feel free to adjust the gochujang quantity to suit your spice preference.
Is air frying or baking better for this recipe?
Both methods yield delicious results! Air frying produces a slightly crisper exterior faster, while baking is great if you prefer a hands-off approach. Choose what suits your schedule and equipment availability.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a fantastic vegetarian version. The sauce stays just as sticky and flavorful, making it a versatile favorite for all diets.
What can I serve with Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice, sautéed greens, or even cold noodle salads. Adding crunchy or pickled sides helps balance the richness and spice in the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe—it’s colorful, packed with flavor, and thoroughly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every sticky, spicy, sweet bite as much as I do!
Print
Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken (Air Fried or Baked) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors with tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich Korean chili paste sauce. Perfectly cooked using either an air fryer or oven baking, this dish comes together quickly and is garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, making for a delicious and visually appealing main course.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (for air frying or baking)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (extra for sauce)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated to create a flavorful and slightly crispy exterior after cooking.
- Cook the chicken (Air Fryer method): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and air fry for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the chicken (Baking method): Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping once midway, until cooked and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Make the sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, extra soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the warm sauce over it. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken pieces in the sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added texture and freshness. Serve the Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken hot over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang according to your preference.
- This recipe can be adapted for vegetarians by substituting chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
- Leftovers reheat well either in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results, or breasts for a leaner option.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to complete the meal.
