Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken

Name: Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/3 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Published: July 16, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
The unique flavor profile combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements that will keep you coming back for more
It’s visually appealing with its glossy glaze that catches the light beautifully
Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck party with friends

I once made this dish for my friend’s birthday bash, and let’s just say it was gone faster than you can say “second helping.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding. For more inspiration, check out this Mediterranean chicken recipe recipe.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a unique heat and depth of flavor that makes every bite exciting.
Honey: Use pure honey for that sticky sweetness that balances out the spice perfectly.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best to control saltiness while adding umami goodness.
Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil enhances the dish with its nutty aroma and flavor.
Green Onions: These add a crisp freshness that’s perfect as a garnish.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add an extra crunch and visual appeal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). crispy patatas bravas This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture while keeping the chicken juicy.

Create the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth; it should smell heavenly!

Marinate the Chicken: Add your chicken breasts to the marinade mixture. Ensure they’re generously coated—imagine them wearing their best party dress! Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you can wait).

Cook the Chicken: Transfer marinated chicken to a baking dish or air fryer basket. Bake for 25-30 minutes or air fry for about 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You want it golden brown and sizzling.

Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for five minutes. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving.

Enjoy your Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken solo or alongside rice or veggies. The flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!

You Must Know

Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors
The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering finish
Preparing it in an air fryer or oven brings out the best texture without excessive oil
Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by marinating the chicken in the gochujang mixture for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer or oven while you prepare sides to streamline dinner time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken thighs with drumsticks or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish enhances both flavor and presentation.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer for crispy results or microwave gently, ensuring not to overcook. For more inspiration, check out this crispy air fryer bites recipe.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly sticky chicken, ensure your marinade is thick enough to coat evenly
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; this helps keep everything crispy and delicious
Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my friends’ reactions during our last cookout. They devoured every bite and begged for seconds, which made me feel like a culinary superstar!

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work but may require less cooking time than thighs.

What can I substitute for gochujang?

Sriracha mixed with honey offers a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile. spicy pumpkin curry.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor infusion; longer is even better!