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Asian Gochujang Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.9 from 149 reviews

Asian Gochujang Chicken Thighs are a spicy and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and aromatics. The chicken is either baked or grilled to juicy perfection, then garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Perfect for serving with steamed rice and vegetables, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy bold, spicy flavors at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade:

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

For Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper until well combined. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  2. Cook the Chicken: For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the marinated chicken thighs on it in a single layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 6 to 7 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  3. Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top as garnish. Serve hot with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of gochujang to control spice level; add cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
  • You can add sliced bell peppers or zucchini into the marinade for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted, but monitor cooking times as breasts cook faster than thighs.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.

Keywords: Gochujang chicken, Korean chicken thighs, spicy chicken recipe, baked chicken thighs, grilled chicken thighs