Elevate your dinner game with this Korean-style sweet and spicy chicken! Coated in a mouthwatering glaze made with gochujang, honey, garlic, and soy sauce, this dish is bold, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for an air fryer or oven, this gluten-free recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and works great for a quick weeknight meal or an exciting dinner option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes.
- Gluten-free and versatile (air fryer or oven-friendly).
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons gochujang paste (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the air fryer or oven.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
Oven Method:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake: Arrange the chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle the cooked chicken with chopped green onions.
- Serve: Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or extra gochujang for more heat.
- Sticky Glaze: Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the marinade for a thicker sauce.
- Vegan Option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
- Different Protein: Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks, wings, or even shrimp.
- Crispy Skin: If using skin-on chicken, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes for crispy skin.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) or in the oven until warmed through. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
FAQs
1. What is gochujang paste?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with a unique blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s available at most grocery stores or Asian markets.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well. Adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.
3. Is there a substitute for gochujang?
For a similar flavor, mix 1 tablespoon sriracha with 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon miso paste.
4. How do I make this recipe less spicy?
Use only 1 tablespoon of gochujang and add an extra tablespoon of honey to balance the heat.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.
6. What pairs well with this chicken?
Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh cucumber salad.
7. Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, basting with extra sauce as needed.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
9. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce.
Conclusion
Korean-Style Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a quick, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its bold, tangy glaze and juicy chicken thighs, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you cook it in the air fryer or oven, pair it with rice and veggies for a satisfying meal everyone will love!
Print
Korean-Style Sweet and Spicy Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Take your dinner to the next level with this Korean-Style Sweet and Spicy Chicken! Marinated in a flavorful mix of gochujang, honey, garlic, and rice vinegar, this quick gluten-free recipe can be cooked in the air fryer or oven for a delicious meal ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
Produce:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 stalks green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Condiments:
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Oils & Vinegars:
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- Mix the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
Serve:
- Garnish and Plate:
- Garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and serve hot. Pair with steamed rice, kimchi, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitute gochujang with sriracha for a milder spice level.
- For a crispy finish, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Chicken
- Method: Air Fryer or Oven
- Cuisine: Korean