Description
Bold, spicy-sweet Asian gochujang chicken thighs that are juicy, caramelized, and packed with umami flavor. This easy recipe works beautifully baked or grilled and is perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat grill to medium-high.
- For baking: place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
- For grilling: grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with rice and vegetables.
Notes
Adjust gochujang amount to control spice level.
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts, but either can be used.
Watch closely when grilling as sugars caramelize quickly.
Marinating overnight deepens flavor.
Use the same marinade for wings or drumsticks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
