These Spicy Korean Chicken Thighs are marinated in a flavorful gochujang sauce, offering a perfect blend of heat and sweetness. Whether grilled, baked, or air-fried, they deliver a juicy and satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
This recipe features a delicious Korean chicken marinade that enhances the flavor of the chicken thighs, making them perfect for Korean BBQ or as a main dish in various Korean chicken recipes. Enjoy the sticky, spicy goodness of this dish that can easily be made in an air fryer.
Understanding Gochujang and Its Role
Gochujang is a staple in Korean cuisine, known for its unique blend of heat and sweetness. This fermented chili paste is made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, creating a rich flavor profile that enhances various dishes.
When used in recipes like spicy Korean chicken thighs, gochujang transforms the chicken into a sticky, flavorful delight. The marinade not only infuses the meat with a spicy kick but also helps to tenderize it, ensuring each bite is juicy and satisfying.
Preparing the Marinade
The key to achieving the perfect flavor in your Korean chicken thighs lies in the marinade. Combining gochujang with soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates a harmonious blend that coats the chicken beautifully.
Mix these ingredients in a bowl until well combined. This marinade serves as the foundation for the dish, ensuring that every piece of chicken is enveloped in the rich, spicy goodness that defines Korean BBQ chicken.
Marinating the Chicken
Once the marinade is ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is ideal, as they retain moisture during cooking, resulting in tender meat.
Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the chicken is well coated, then seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, or even overnight, intensifies the flavors and enhances the overall dish.
Cooking Methods for Spicy Korean Chicken Thighs
There are several methods to cook your marinated chicken thighs, each offering a unique texture and flavor. Grilling is a popular choice, providing a smoky char that complements the spicy marinade.
If you prefer baking, preheat your oven and cook the chicken until it reaches the desired doneness. Alternatively, air frying is a fantastic option for a quicker, healthier preparation, yielding crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Garnishing and Serving
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist bite every time.
Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal. Pairing the spicy Korean chicken thighs with steamed rice and colorful vegetables creates a vibrant meal that is both appetizing and satisfying.
Enjoying Your Meal
Spicy Korean chicken thighs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout choice among Korean chicken recipes.
As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the balance of spice and sweetness, making these sticky Korean chicken thighs a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the experience of Korean BBQ right at home, and don’t forget to share this delicious meal with loved ones!
Easy Spicy Korean Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The recipe takes about 1 hour to marinate and 30 minutes to cook, serving 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill, oven, or air fryer. If grilling, cook the chicken thighs over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g