If you’ve been craving something that truly delivers on flavor, look no further than Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken. This dish perfectly balances sweet and spicy, with juicy bites of chicken coated in a glossy, finger-licking sauce that brings together the best of Korean-inspired cuisine. It’s incredibly quick to make, totally approachable for any night of the week, and guaranteed to satisfy anyone at your table. Whether you’re just getting to know gochujang or you’re already a fan, this recipe will quickly become a new staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of vibrant, everyday ingredients—each one thoughtfully chosen to bring out big flavor and beautiful color in Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken. Don’t skip anything if you can, because every element plays a role, from the depth of the gochujang to the subtle zing of fresh ginger.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1½ lbs, boneless and skinless): Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work perfectly if you prefer, just cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the chicken sear to golden perfection and provides a neutral base for all those awesome flavors.
- Gochujang (3 tablespoons): This Korean chili paste is the star—giving you a deep, savory heat with a hint of sweetness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Honey caramelizes as it cooks, making the sauce irresistibly sticky and balancing out the spice.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds essential saltiness and umami depth, rounding out the entire sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Instantly brightens the dish, cutting through the richness with gentle acidity.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must for aromatic depth—you’ll smell this hitting the pan and know something special’s cooking.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Lends warmth and zing that tucks into the sauce without overpowering it.
- Water (1 tablespoon, as needed): Just a splash helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick while simmering.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish): Optional but highly recommended for crunch, color, and a pop of freshness.
How to Make Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. You want this mixture to be smooth, shiny, and thoroughly combined—don’t rush. This step is the backbone of Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken, setting the tone for everything else to come.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, warm up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get that delicious golden crust before stirring. Cooking for about 6–8 minutes ensures your chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized.
Step 3: Bring on the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in that gorgeous sauce you just whipped up. Toss the chicken to coat every nook and cranny, then let the whole thing simmer for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will reduce, thicken, and almost hug the chicken pieces in a glossy, sticky glaze. If it ever looks too thick or begins to stick, just add a tablespoon of water for the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Off the heat, shower your Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The bright green and nutty seeds make every bite extra special. Serve hot, and get ready for swooning at the table!
How to Serve Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—their crunch is the perfect contrast to the sticky sauce. Add fresh sliced green onions for a burst of color and mild onion flavor that keeps the dish lively. If you want more heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a few thinly sliced fresh chilies will do the trick.
Side Dishes
Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken absolutely shines over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, letting that saucy goodness soak right in. Try it with chewy noodles for a comforting twist or alongside stir-fried veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. For an even heartier spread, kimchi or a simple cucumber salad will add brightness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re craving something different, tuck the chicken into lettuce wraps for a handheld meal or pile it into grain bowls with greens, quick pickles, and a soft-boiled egg. For your next party, serve bite-sized portions on toothpicks as a bold and unexpected appetizer—watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any remaining Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so the leftovers are just as tempting—maybe even better—than the first round.
Freezing
If you’re prepping ahead, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it out in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works in a pinch, but watch closely to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless thighs and breasts work beautifully in Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken. Thighs will be a bit more rich and juicy, while breasts offer a leaner option—just cut either one into bite-sized pieces for perfect results.
Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang brings a gentle heat, but it’s not overwhelming. You can easily control the level of spice in this dish by adding a bit more (for extra kick) or a little less if you prefer a milder sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap in a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check your gochujang jar (some brands add barley). That way, Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken stays safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
What’s the best way to make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written! None of the ingredients contain dairy, but always check product labels, especially for gochujang, to be certain.
How can I make it extra crispy?
If you want extra crunch, dredge your chicken pieces lightly in cornstarch before cooking. They’ll crisp up beautifully in the pan, and the sticky sauce will cling even better for a wildly satisfying texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough making a big skillet of Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken for your next dinner—its sweet, spicy, and savory notes are pure joy! Whether it’s a family meal or the star of your next gathering, you’re in for a treat that gets even better with every bite. Give it a try, and enjoy the bold, delicious magic in your own kitchen.
Print
Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken recipe combines spicy, sweet, and savory flavors to create a delicious Korean-inspired dish. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky glaze made with gochujang, honey, and aromatic seasonings, then garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin sauce if needed)
Other:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, pour the sauce over the chicken, stir to coat evenly, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and sticky. Add water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less gochujang.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
