Description
This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory! Crispy, golden-brown chicken is tossed in a sticky, fiery-sweet glaze made with gochujang, honey, garlic, and soy sauce, creating an irresistible dish. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this Korean-inspired meal is easy to make and packed with bold flavors that will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sticky Honey Gochujang Sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced red chilies (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Repeat for extra crispiness by dipping a second time in both mixtures.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- For extra crunch, double-fry by frying again for 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Honey Gochujang Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the sauce to thicken it.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Place the crispy fried chicken in a bowl.
- Pour the Honey Gochujang Sauce over and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and sliced red chilies.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang and red pepper flakes.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and replace flour with extra cornstarch.
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep the crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired