Description
Gochujang Glazed Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a vibrant, sticky Korean chili-based sauce that balances spicy heat, subtle sweetness, and umami flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings, delivering bold and satisfying tastes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
Marinade & Glaze
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (or maple syrup/agave as alternatives)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create a rich, balanced glaze that infuses every bite with flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large dish or ziplock bag, pour the marinade over them, and let sit for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge to soak up the flavors.
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. For crispy skin, avoid overcrowding the pan and add a touch of oil if your skillet isn’t non-stick.
- Cook the Chicken Thighs: Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 5-7 minutes, basting occasionally with marinade until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze and Finish: In the last few minutes, pour remaining marinade over chicken in the skillet. Let it caramelize slightly without burning to create a sticky, flavorful coating.
Notes
- Pat dry chicken thighs before marinating to ensure crispy skin.
- Allow sufficient marinating time to maximize flavor infusion.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
- Adjust gochujang quantity to control spice level according to personal preference.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing (skillet) & optional Baking
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg