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Korean-Style Spicy Marinated Chicken

Korean-Style Spicy Marinated Chicken

Korean-Style Spicy Marinated Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a bold blend of spicy gochujang, savory soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sweet brown sugar or honey. Quick to prepare and packed with authentic Korean flavors, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. It’s versatile, customizable in spice level, and pairs beautifully with rice, wraps, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar or honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the marinade is smooth and well mixed to ensure even coating on the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for best flavor, marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes, until the chicken is nicely caramelized and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top to add color and fresh texture. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and better marinade absorption.
  • The marinade can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to one week.
  • Do not skip marinating time to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of gochujang according to your preference.
  • Ensure the pan is hot before cooking to achieve a nice sear and caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean chicken, spicy chicken, gochujang chicken, marinated chicken, Korean recipe, quick dinner, spicy chicken thighs