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
Scale
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.
